A Show of Force: Trump Deploys National Guard Against California Governor's Wishes
Federal authorities override state leadership, deploy National Guard forces without governor's approval. - Military action ordered by Trump supersedes governor's decisions regarding National Guard.
In a controversial move, US President Donald Trump plans to solidify control over the ongoing protests against officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in California, by utilizing military security forces. Contrary to Governor Gavin Newsom's wishes, Trump ordered the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard soldiers, sparking controversy and citing "lawlessness" as the reason.
California's governor expressed his concerns, stating that this step escalates the situation and purposely creates tension. According to Newsom, the National Guard should not intervene, and such deployment could damage public trust. He also suggested that the federal government was simply seeking to stage a spectacle instead of maintaining security.
The protests initiated on Friday in the Los Angeles area were primarily against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who were apprehending migrants without valid documents to be deported. Some demonstrators responded with violence, hurling stones at the agents. The Trump-appointed US Department of Homeland Security characterized this event as a massive escalation.
Military Threat on the Horizon
Under the pretext of ending the "lawlessness" in the Los Angeles area, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt explained the reasoning behind the National Guard's deployment. Trump, as the Commander-in-Chief, ensures the enforcement of US laws. The official announcement noted that the National Guard would be deployed for 60 days, extending indefinitely at the Defense Minister's discretion.
In a concerning turn of events, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth hinted at the possible mobilization of Marines stationed in California if the situation required it. His statements caused alarm, with Newsom denouncing this as "insane behavior." Hegseth threatened the deployment of soldiers against American citizens on American soil.
The National Guard is a military reserve unit and forms part of the US armed forces. Each state has its own National Guard, which can be activated during natural disasters, civil unrest, or emergencies. Usually, the National Guard is under the command of the governors. However, during time of war or national emergencies, the US President can take control. In total, the US boasts over 325,000 National Guard members.
California Governor vs. Trump: Power Struggle
One of California's senators, Adam Schiff, declared the deployment of the National Guard a previously unseen step. Schiff claimed the goal is to create chaos and further inflame the situation. He urged an end to violence, suggesting that such actions would likely satisfy Trump's wish to address violent conflicts against protesters and potentially justify martial law.
Just before the White House announcement, Trump had already issued a warning: if Governor Newsom and the Mayor of Los Angeles did not effectively address the situation, the government would intervene, quelling the problem with "riots and looters." Trump referred to Newsom disrespectfully on Truth Social, a social media platform, as "Newscum" - a derogatory term suggesting comparisons to "scum" in German.
The insult towards Newsom reflects the political dimension of the case. Newsom is a prominent Democratic figure and a potential presidential candidate in 2028, holding power over one of the most economically potent states, with nearly 40 million inhabitants, accounting for more than a tenth of the US population. Trump, on the other hand, is viewed as the tough-as-nails sheriff, riding the wave of his promise for mass deportations.
Historically, deploying the National Guard over the objections of a state governor is rare in the United States. There have been instances where the federal government has exercised its authority, often under specific legal provisions. However, the deployment of troops without formal authorization or a request from local authorities requires extraordinary circumstances. Such a situation unfolded in 2025 in Los Angeles, where Trump deployed 2,000 members of the National Guard against Governor Gavin Newsom's wishes. Critics claimed the move exceeded the federal authority.
By deploying the National Guard and engaging in public disputes with state officials, Trump may be trying to distract critics away from his niche issues, such as his public spat with Elon Musk and scrutiny over his tax and budget laws. The focus on the actions in California could be politically advantageous for him, feeding his image as the tough-minded enforcer of immigration law.
Deployments of ICE security forces sparked the protests in the Los Angeles area on Friday. They aimed to detain migrants lacking valid residence permits, with the White House justifying these actions as "routine deportation operations." The security forces confronted protesters with full gear, including shields and helmets, and used tear gas. Reports suggest that rubber bullets were also used.
Law enforcement figures may face prosecution if they hamper or assault security forces, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. FBI Director Kash Patel also implied the deployment of his agents in response to escalating tensions. Trump's deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, branded these demonstrations as a "violent uprising" against state authority and welcomed the deployment of the National Guard, urging, "We will take back America."
- Governor Gavin Newsom, aware of the escalating situation, stated, "I'm not going to be a part of this war-and-conflicts, and I strongly believe that the National Guard should not intervene in crime-and-justice matters, as such deployment could damage public trust and general-news."
- Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth's threat of mobilizing Marines added to Newsom's concerns, prompting him to denounce Hegseth's statement as "insane behavior," further highlighting the political dimension of policy-and-legislation surrounding the deployment of the National Guard.
- As the presence of the National Guard becomes more tangible, Adam Schiff, California's senator, accused the federal government of trying to create chaos and inflame the tensions, suggesting that this could potentially justify martial law, which, if implemented, would have profound impacts on policy-and-legislation and general-news in California.
![Trump opts for a decisive, bold move in California. [Picture included]](/en/img/20250613082740_pexels-image-search-image-description-sunset-beach-landscape.jpeg?width=1280&crop=4-3&quality=75)
