California Attorney General Criticizes Trump’s National Guard Plans

California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed strong disapproval of President Trump’s proposal to use National Guard troops to tackle crime in the state.

Bonta described the plan as “an absolute, complete, transparent, blatant, brave violation of the law.” He referenced the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from engaging in civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil.

“Addressing crime is essentially civil law enforcement,” he explained. “The military’s involvement would mean detention, arrest, searches, and seizures for clear violations. By suggesting this, he’s already indicated he’ll break the law.” Bonta went on to note, “But this is in line with his history; he’s violated this 39 times already, based on how many lawsuits he filed in just 30 weeks.”

Last week, Trump indicated that following his crackdown in Washington, D.C., he might expand federal control to other cities led by Democrats. He pointed out, “We have bad cities too. It’s really bad. Look at Chicago, or Los Angeles. New York has its challenges. Baltimore and Oakland, we’re not even mentioning anymore. We’re not going to lose a city over this,” he stated, asserting that the initiative would be broadening from D.C.

Interestingly, despite these claims, crime in D.C. is reportedly at its lowest level in 30 years, and the Department of Justice recently initiated an investigation into the city’s crime data.

Local officials, residents, and Democrats have pushed back against Trump’s intentions, including the deployment of the National Guard. Additionally, Trump has hinted at collaborating with Congress to extend federal powers beyond the existing 30-day limit under the city’s Home Rules Act.

Earlier this year, he had already sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles to manage protests related to ICE deportation activities.

Comments from the White House were sought but have not yet been provided.