Going Head-to-Head in LA: Trump Sends National Guard and Marines Amidst Political Unrest
Historically Significant Action Taken by Donald Trump
Things are heating up in Los Angeles as President Trump takes a firm stance against the partly violent protests in the California metropolis. The Commander-in-Chief has sent 4000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the West Coast city - despite the governor's objections. This move, while not truly unprecedented, has sent ripples throughout American political circles.
Los Angeles is currently a battleground. The city isplit between angry protesters, looters, and the National Guardsmen charged with maintaining order. The discord stems primarily from actions involving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some protesters have taken their anger too far, engaging in acts like firesetting and looting.
First mobilized over the weekend with 2000 members of the California National Guard, an additional 2000 troops were sent to L.A. on Monday, all against the wishes of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Guard or Gone: A Look at the National Guard and Marines
Still scratching your head about the National Guard? Well, it's a military reserve force that dates back to the colonial era, although it's not officially part of the regular U.S. military forces. The National Guard usually assists with disaster relief operations such as storms or wildfires. However, they can also be deployed to quell violent protests, although they don't have the usual powers of police or regular military forces.
That being said, expect these forces to focus on maintaining order, lending support to local law enforcement, and protecting federal property. Remember, they can't just arbitrarily make arrests. They're more a "peace-keeping" force than a police force.
The President Calls the Shots: The Controversial "Militia Act" of 1903
Each U.S. state has its own National Guard, with exceptions for Washington, D.C., and territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. The National Guard doesn't have an overarching federal unit. Currently, the National Guard boasts around 430,000 members nationwide, with the regular U.S. Army (including reserves) numbering in at over five times that amount.
In times of war, or national emergencies, the president can seize command authority over the National Guard, effectively bypassing the governors of respective states. This power comes from the "Militia Act" of 1903, which legally established the National Guard in U.S. federal law.
Calling for Action: The Democrats React to Trump's Moves
Democrats are viewing Trump's actions in Los Angeles very critically. Governor Gavin Newsom and his supporters believe that the partly violent demonstrations in Los Angeles are a matter for the police, not a national emergency. California has even announced intentions to file a lawsuit, arguing that Trump is overstepping his authority and violating the U.S. Constitution.
A Power Move or a Power Grab?
Political scientist Thomas Hunter believes that Trump is using this situation as another tool in his arsenal of authoritarian rule. If governors worry about military intervention if they don't conform to federal law, they'll think twice before going against Trump.
In the end, this is just another chapter in the ever-evolving saga between the Trump administration and its political opponents. Be prepared for more twists and turns as this story unfolds.
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- Donald Trump
- Louisiana
- California
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Military
- U.S. Military
- Governors and Commanders
- Protests and Public Order
- U.S. Constitution
- State-Federal Relations
- National Emergency and War Powers
- National Guard and Marines
- Political Conflicts and Controversies
- In response to the escalating political unrest in Los Angeles, I'm not going to be a part of this policy-and-legislation debate surrounding the deployment of the National Guard and Marines.
- This war-and-conflicts-related development, with the President asserting his authority over the National Guard under the Militia Act of 1903, has triggered a wave of political controversy and general-news discussions, including the Democrats' reaction and the political implications.
