President Trump is engaging in a highly anticipated confrontation with a leading political adversary in a solidly Democratic state, centered on a key issue of his administration’s agenda.
By circumventing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority to call upon the National Guard in response to protests sparked by immigration enforcement efforts, the president is pushing the limits of executive power and drawing criticism for potentially exacerbating the conflict for political advantage.
Local and state officials had not requested federal assistance to manage the scattered demonstrations following a recent immigration raid in Los Angeles’ garment district. Nevertheless, Trump and his senior staff escalated the situation on Sunday, framing the protests as a grave national threat and initiating a robust federal response that further fueled unrest across the city.
Amid rising protests, the president described Los Angeles on social media as being "invaded and occupied" by "violent, insurrectionist mobs," and instructed top cabinet members to take all necessary steps to "liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion."
Addressing reporters while departing for Camp David, Trump stated, "Nobody’s going to spit on our police officers. Nobody’s going to spit on our military." Although it was unclear if such incidents had occurred, he warned that any such actions would be met with a strong response.
The president declined to confirm whether he would invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act, which authorizes the deployment of federal troops to suppress domestic unrest. Regardless, he asserted, "we’re going to have troops everywhere."
Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House, characterized the situation on social media as "a fight to save civilization."
Deploying over 2,000 members of the California National Guard without the governor’s request marks a significant break from precedent. The last time a president sent National Guard forces into a state without gubernatorial consent was in 1965 under Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed at protecting civil rights activists in Alabama.
Supporters of the president argue that the unfolding events in Los Angeles exemplify the rationale behind his election, highlighting his commitment to immigration enforcement.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an ally of the president, emphasized that the conflict underscores a fundamental divide: one side enforces the law and prioritizes American citizens, while the other defends those who violate immigration laws.
Recent days have seen scattered protests nationwide as federal agents conduct immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities, part of an intensified effort to increase daily deportations.
The administration and its supporters have sought to frame the protests by highlighting violent incidents against federal agents, while also pointing to demonstrators carrying flags of foreign nations such as Mexico and El Salvador as evidence of a foreign incursion.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the unrest, stating, "Illegal criminal aliens and violent mobs have been committing arson, throwing rocks at vehicles, and attacking federal law enforcement for days."
Governor Newsom, frequently targeted by the president with derogatory nicknames, has been a consistent opponent of Trump’s policies and rhetoric, especially regarding immigration.
In a statement, Newsom said, "We anticipated this and have prepared accordingly. Their strategy depends on California failing, and they will employ every tactic in their worn-out playbook despite evidence to the contrary."
On Sunday, the governor formally requested Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to rescind the National Guard deployment, warning that federal intervention was exacerbating tensions.
Other Democratic officials echoed Newsom’s concerns, attributing the escalating protests to the administration’s own actions.
Senator Alex Padilla criticized the administration’s approach as a deliberate creation of crisis through misinformation and harsh immigration enforcement tactics, predicting that passionate demonstrations defending fundamental rights and due process were an expected response in Los Angeles.
Republican lawmakers defended the president’s decisions as appropriate exercises of federal authority aimed at ensuring the safety of immigration officials.
California Republican Representative Kevin Kiley expressed concern for federal personnel facing violence and obstruction, blaming state leaders for reckless policies that undermine immigration enforcement.
Officials indicated readiness to intensify the federal response if necessary. Tom Homan, the administration’s border czar, suggested that anyone, including public officials, who interfere with immigration enforcement could face arrest as operations continue nationwide.
Observers note that the president’s tactics toward California resemble previous actions against institutions and individuals perceived as political adversaries.
Last month, Trump threatened to withdraw significant federal funding from California over its policies on transgender athletes in women’s sports, and recently announced plans to cut approximately $4 billion in federal support for the state’s long-delayed high-speed rail project.
Senator Padilla commented that the president’s persistent targeting of California and dissenters may energize his political base but ultimately harms the nation.
White House officials framed the president’s actions as responses to perceived failures in Democrat-led cities and institutions, asserting that he intervenes when local leaders refuse to act in the interests of American citizens.
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