Remarkable action taken by Donald Trump, leaving a significant mark in history.
Title: Trump's Shocking Power Move: National Guard in Los Angeles
From the streets of bustling LA, tensions are riding high with angry protesters and looters facing off against 4,000 National Guard members called upon by the President. The dispute? Protests against ICE actions. But here's the kicker - Trump isn't playing by the usual rules.Dealing with protests, natural disasters, or emergencies, the National Guard, much like a cross between the German Bundeswehr and Technical Relief Service, usually can't shake up the status quo. But Trump? He doesn't follow the script.
Politics: What's the Deal with the National Guard and Marines?
Ever wondered what the National Guard gig is all about? Basically, it's a backup unit linked to the military that's been around since the colonial days. Their job? Primarily, they're on standby for disaster situations or to calm down violent protests.
But not quite like the police or regular military. Each state has its own Guard, overseen by the respective governor. Except for Washington, D.C., where the President takes the reins. In a national emergency, however, the President can seize command authority of the entire Guard, with the final say nationwide.
As far as the Marines go, they're one of the branches of the U.S. military, known for their elite soldiers trained for overseas deployments, amphibious warfare, and protecting US facilities abroad. Command? Always under the President as Commander-in-Chief.
The Big Showdown: Trump vs. Newsom
But it's not all about the guards and marines. This is a game of power, with Trump sending in troops against the wishes of Governor Gavin Newsom. The Democrats argue Trump is overreacting - he's setting cars on fire or causing looting? That's a police matter, not a national emergency. California is planning to file a lawsuit, arguing Trump is exceeding his authority and violating the Constitution.
Politics: Trump's Not-So-Subtle Message
According to political scientist Thomas Hunter, Trump sees this as another tool in his arsenal for authoritarian rule. If governors have to worry about their cities being put under military control for breaking federal laws, he'll have everyone thinking twice.
It's not just a threat to a stronghold of Democrats - Texas, rumored to be Texas Governor Greg Abbott's move against protests is no coincidence. It's all part of Trump's game to expose Governor Newsom and potential 2028 presidential contender. Trump's counting on the protests in LA to die down, so he can claim credit for the peace, or let them escalate so he can show off his strength.
A Historical Precedent
Trump's unprecedented move recalls the only partly similar situation over half a century ago. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent guardsmen to Alabama to protect civil rights activists, with the state's segregation-friendly governor refusing. Johnson went against the governor's wishes and backed the activists.
But remember Johnson in '65? Not quite like Trump in '20. Trump is playing a dangerous game, deploying National Guard troops without consent, sending Marines for protection, and flirting with the idea of invoking the Insurgency Act.
His border czar, Tom Homan, even suggested arresting Governor Newsom if he continues to "disrupt" government operations. All that's left for Trump is to make his move - and hope the nation doesn't follow suit.
I'm not going to be a part of this political power struggle between Trump and Newsom over the National Guard deployment in Los Angeles. The negotiations about the role of the National Guard and Marines in general-news situations, such as the ongoing protests, reveal a complex web of responsibilities and authorities that are significantly different from those in regular military or police units.
