During the summer of 2020, protests and violence surged across American cities. However, the Trump administration, respecting established protocols, refrained from deploying the National Guard at the request of a Democratic governor. This decision led to significant destruction and loss of life.
Now, it seems, the second Trump administration is taking a different approach. Recently, they’ve acted swiftly to prevent riots from escalating in Los Angeles.
The deployment of the National Guard and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, alongside US Marines, has had two main effects. Their presence has encouraged a firm, localized response to potential riots and has dissuaded many ordinary citizens from getting involved.
Interestingly, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass maintain that local authorities should manage any protests. There’s some truth to that perspective, but Trump’s past failures to effectively address looting and chaos, which included seeing camps established by criminals posing as protesters, remain a concern.
Law enforcement was often encouraged to retreat while the city descended into disorder.
The National Guard and Marines are on hand, hoping their presence won’t be necessary. So far, Trump’s actions seem to undermine local officials who might not adequately enforce law and order.
Protesters were unable to create camps this time, and efforts to block highways were confronted forcefully.
Moreover, the recent protests in Los Angeles lacked the kind of widespread support from the community that groups like ANTIFA typically rely on, largely due to their questionable conduct.
Reflecting on the past, I’ve participated in numerous protests, ranging from Occupy Wall Street to other events, and have observed firsthand the division within large crowds. Protests often split into two camps: those who engage in what’s termed “direct action” and those who don’t.
“Direct Action” can result in arrests, ranging from blocking roads to more extreme measures. This dynamic plays out even when many participants might be unaware of how they fit into this narrative.
In cities like Portland during that tumultuous time, we saw a backlash against destruction hidden under the guise of protest.
The visible presence of the National Guard and the aftermath of chaos have made it clear to Angelenos that this isn’t a situation to take lightly.
By taking decisive actions — supporting law enforcement and diminishing crowds — Trump has transformed what could have erupted into a violent riot into a more manageable situation.
On a recent night, CNN had reporters on site near a federal building, where tensions flared. Oddly, they didn’t interview those involved, perhaps due to the group’s volatile nature. It seems there’s a narrative they prefer to convey.
If there’s a guiding principle for Trump’s renewed term, it might be summed up as “You can simply take action.” Whether it’s border control, tariffs, or addressing unrest, the approach seems straightforward.
With the sultry months of summer lurking, the air of anger that characterized 2020 protests appears less likely to ignite this year. Public sentiment seems to favor Trump’s stance on issues like deportation.
Having learned from previous riots, one could argue that if unruly activists fail to adapt to the presence of the National Guard in 2025, they’re ultimately responsible for the consequences.
