TOPSHOT - US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk (R) speak before departing the White House on his way to his South Florida home in Mar-a-Lago in Florida on March 14, 2025. Trump is spending the weekend at his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
The recent deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges. The move, intended to quell protests against federal immigration raids, has been met with strong opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials. Key DevelopmentsDeployment Details: President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 7, 2025, followed by an additional 2,000 Guard members and 700 Marines on June 9. This action was taken without a formal request from state or local authorities. Governor Newsom’s Response: Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment, stating it was “purposefully inflammatory” and accusing the Trump administration of using the military for political purposes. He emphasized that Marines are “not political pawns” and announced plans to file a lawsuit against the federal government for what he described as an illegal and immoral action. Legal and Constitutional Concerns: The deployment marks the first time since the 1960s that the federal government has activated National Guard troops without the consent of a state governor. Legal experts and former military officials have expressed concerns that this sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach and undermines state authority. Protests and Public Reaction: The presence of National Guard and Marine units in Los Angeles has intensified public protests, with demonstrators expressing outrage over the federal government’s actions. While some officials argue that the military presence is necessary to maintain order, others believe it exacerbates tensions and inflames the situation.
