As the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, proceeded to request the revocation of a directive by Trump administration, calling the deployment of national guard troops in Los Angeles as unlawful. Through a respectful letter to the US secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, Newsom criticized the deployment as a breach of state sovereignty, insisting that the troops be placed back under the state’s control. Newsom officially pointed out that no need existed for such military action, considering it provocative and a serious violation of the state’s sovereignty, seemingly intended to exacerbate the already tense situation.
Furthermore, Newsom took to social media, emphasizing that Los Angeles had not experienced such issues until Trump’s intervention. He urged the immediate rescission of the order, calling for return of control to California.
The movement of national guard troops to Los Angeles was a result of Trump invoking title 10 authority, a federal law granting him the power to federalize national guard troops, marking the first time such authority had been utilized by an American president since the 1992 riots in Los Angeles.
Trump justified his decision after two days of civil unrest over U.S. immigration policies which led to altercations between protesters and the police. Despite the skirmishes resulting in several arrests and minor injuries on both sides, the majority of the city remained unaffected.
The White House characterized the events as widespread chaos and violence, criticizing California’s leadership for what they deemed insufficient measures to quell the disturbances. Trump went further, referring to the protesters as “violent, insurrectionist mobs,” and declared his intention to instruct his cabinet to take all necessary actions to quell what he labeled as “riots.”
Democratic governors unified in condemnation of Trump’s decision to deploy the California National Guard, labeling it as an alarming abuse of power.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also expressed her opposition to the deployment, stating that it was the “last thing” her city needed without clear communication on the troops’ duration of stay. Mayor Bass conveyed her concern over the potential division and fear the deployment could instill in the community.
Subsequently, Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted at the possibility of deploying U.S. marines to Los Angeles for additional support. The U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 500 marines from Twentynine Palms, California, were on standby, ready to be deployed if necessary to safeguard federal property and personnel.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/08/california-gavin-newsom-los-angeles-national-guard
