The political temperature in California has surged as President Donald Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom lock horns over the sudden deployment of National Guard troops and active-duty US Marines to Los Angeles. This move, aimed at controlling escalating protests, has sparked widespread outrage and rekindled the national debate over immigration, executive power, and federal overreach.
The Viral Image That Sparked a Firestorm
President Donald Trump, left, on June 5, 2025, in Washington D.C.; California Governor Gavin Newsom, right, on April 16, 2025, in Ceres, California. GETTY IMAGES
The controversy began with a photo that went viral online, depicting National Guard troops sleeping on the cold marble floor of a government building. The image, quickly picked up by news outlets and social media users, was perceived by many as a symbol of chaotic governance and militarized overreaction.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the image as “shameful” and condemned the federal government’s decision to deploy troops without state consultation. “This is not how we treat our soldiers, and it’s certainly not how we handle civic unrest,” Newsom said during a press briefing in Sacramento. “California never requested this deployment. This is political theatre.”
Trump Calls LA a “City of Criminals”
President Trump, on the other hand, defended the deployment as necessary to restore order in what he described as an “occupied city.” He claimed that Los Angeles had become “a haven for illegal aliens and criminals,” arguing that Democratic leadership had failed its citizens.
During a contentious appearance on Fox News, Trump stated, “Los Angeles has been invaded and occupied by illegal aliens and criminals. It’s our duty to protect federal officers and public safety when local officials fail.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem backed the president, labeling Los Angeles a “city of criminals” and insisting that the protests had been fueled by “paid demonstrators.” However, no verifiable evidence was provided to support that claim, further inflaming the rhetoric.
Deployment Without Consent
The controversy deepened when it was revealed that the National Guard troops were deployed without the usual formal request from the state government. Typically, such deployment is coordinated with governors and local law enforcement. In this case, the federal government bypassed the normal protocol.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom both accused the Trump administration of acting unilaterally. “This is not about public safety. This is about politics,” Bass said in a CNN interview. “We were not overwhelmed until they decided to militarize our streets.”
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell attempted to strike a more diplomatic tone. “While we were under considerable pressure due to the sheer number of demonstrators, we did not request military support. The presence of armed troops has changed the mood on the ground.”
Rising Tensions Over Immigration Policy
The backdrop to this military response is a renewed push by the Trump administration to enforce mass deportations in California. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have reportedly been conducting raids without warrants, detaining individuals in neighborhoods, and bypassing local police oversight.
These actions have fueled public anger and led to larger, more animated protests. Community organizers argue that California’s sanctuary policies are being undermined by federal intrusion.
“This is not just about one protest,” said activist Luis Hernandez. “This is about a pattern of aggression against immigrant communities, especially here in California where we have strong protections in place.”
Violence and Vandalism During Protests
While many of the demonstrations began peacefully, some incidents of violence have been reported. Videos circulated online show protestors throwing projectiles at law enforcement and setting vehicles ablaze. There have also been clashes between demonstrators and National Guard troops, who are now stationed at key federal buildings and transportation hubs.
In response to growing unrest, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that 700 Marines from Camp Pendleton had been mobilized to support law enforcement. “Due to increased threats to federal officers and federal property, Marines have been deployed to maintain peace and order,” he stated.
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Political Fallout and Future Implications
This incident has triggered widespread debate across the political spectrum. Critics argue that Trump’s actions mirror authoritarian tactics and undermine states’ rights. Supporters, however, applaud his aggressive stance on law and order.
Legal scholars warn that such federal interventions without state approval may set dangerous precedents. “We’re entering murky constitutional waters,” said Professor Anne Montgomery from UC Berkeley’s School of Law. “Using the military to bypass elected officials opens up questions about abuse of executive power.”
Democrats in Congress have called for hearings into the unauthorized deployment. Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries stated, “This is exactly why we have checks and balances. We must ensure no president, regardless of party, can use the military as a personal police force.”
Conclusion: A Divided Nation on Display
The escalating feud between Trump and Newsom over the Los Angeles deployment is emblematic of the deeper divisions fracturing American politics. From immigration policy to federalism, this latest episode shows how fragile institutional norms have become. As protests continue and military presence intensifies, the American public watches anxiously, wondering what will happen next in a nation at odds with itself.
