Trump Sends National Guard to LA Over ICE Protests

Governor Newsom calls move unconstitutional; Trump administration defends decision as necessary to restore order.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (left) and President Donald Trump (right)

President Trump has deployed at least 300 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, citing the need to protect ICE agents and federal property following skirmishes between protesters and federal officers. The move has sparked backlash from California officials and reignited debate over presidential authority in domestic deployments. (AP)

White House Cites Rebellion Statute to Justify Move

The White House said troops were necessary to respond to “a form of rebellion” that impeded the government’s deportation efforts. “To the extent that protests or acts of violence directly inhibit the execution of the laws, they constitute a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States,” Trump’s memo stated. (WSJ)

Newsom and Trump Officials Trade Blame Over Unrest

California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the move as illegal and inflammatory.

“Donald Trump has created the conditions you see on your TV tonight,” Newsom said. “He’s exacerbated the conditions. He’s, you know, lit the proverbial match. He’s putting fuel on this fire ever since he announced he was taking over the National Guard - an illegal act, an immoral act, an unconstitutional act.” (The Hill)

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson pushed back: “President Trump rightfully stepped in to restore law and order because of Gavin Newsom’s feckless leadership.” (The Hill)

Newsom Blasts Trump’s Tactics

Newsom emphasized that he has previously deployed the National Guard in coordination with local agencies, but said Trump bypassed all protocol.

“We have no problem working collaboratively in a mutual aid system with local law enforcement. But there’s a protocol, there’s a process. He didn’t care about that. And the worst part, he completely lied.” (The Hill)

The governor pointed to a Truth Social post in which Trump praised the Guard for doing a “great job.” Newsom says this post came before forces had even been deployed.

“It’s Orwellian — simply lying to people, unconstitutional, illegal act, his mess. We’re trying to clean it up,” Newsom added. (The Hill)

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Can Trump Legally Deploy Troops Without a Governor’s OK?

🔐 Become a Pro Subscriber to unlock today’s Pro Brief, where we break down Gavin Newsom’s legal challenge, Trump’s use of a rarely invoked rebellion statute, what military and legal experts are saying about the president’s authority, and what Trump’s inner circle thinks of this move.