Trump Promises to “Liberate Los Angeles”
President Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to “liberate Los Angeles” as tensions rise in the city. He justified his decision to send in the National Guard and U.S. Marines, stating that without these added forces, LA is “on fire,” reminiscent of his earlier actions in Southern California this past January.
Addressing soldiers at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, he remarked, “A generation of Army heroes didn’t bleed on the far coast just to allow our country to be destroyed by invasion and lawlessness, which is currently happening in California. As Commander-in-Chief, I refuse to let that happen.”
Trump has deployed 4,000 National Guards and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, asserting that they will “protect federal law enforcement” as part of a significant deportation initiative, aimed at countering what he described as “vicious and violent mob attacks.”
“If we neglect this, there may not be a Los Angeles left. It’s burning today, just like it was a few months ago during that wildfire,” he claimed. He expressed concern over the city’s dramatic decline, saying, “Within decades, Los Angeles has transformed from one of the cleanest and safest cities to a disturbing place dominated by gangs and crime networks. It’s frightening.”
Trump warned about the consequences of uncontrolled transitions, stating, “It leads to chaos, dysfunction, and impairment, as the world can clearly see.”
He promised, “In very simple terms, we will release Los Angeles and restore its freedom, cleanliness, and safety. It’s happening very quickly.”
Since Friday, protesters have been clashing with police and federal authorities in the city. The unrest follows an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid aimed at illegal immigrants in cities that local leaders, including Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, have resisted in alignment with Trump’s immigration policies.
“What you’re witnessing in California is a full-scale attack on peace, order, and national sovereignty, driven by mobs waving foreign flags,” Trump stated.
Indicators of the turmoil have included protesters holding Mexican and Palestinian flags during the riots, which have continued for five days. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) referenced this foreign symbolism in a Wall Street Journal piece, suggesting it could escalate tensions beyond what occurred in Minneapolis following George Floyd’s death.
The senator urged Trump to consider invoking the rarely used rebellion law of 1807.
Following Trump’s address, Mayor Bass announced that curfews would be imposed in parts of downtown Los Angeles due to the violence and looting. She noted, “We’ve reached a turning point,” declaring a local emergency after the destruction of 23 businesses on Monday night.
