WASHINGTON — The Pentagon reported on Tuesday that President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles to curb riots has been ongoing for 60 days, costing an estimated $134 million.
On Saturday, Trump took command of California’s National Guard, sending 4,100 troops to address ongoing violent protests against immigration enforcement. On Monday, he also dispatched 700 Marines to ensure the safety of federal buildings and officials.
Monday marked the fourth consecutive night of looting and clashes in downtown Los Angeles.
“We’ve made it clear that the 60-day commitment is to show the rioters and looters that we’re not backing down,” a military spokesperson stated.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the troops’ role in maintaining peace in the area on behalf of law enforcement, making a pointed reference to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Pentagon Director Bryn McDonnell informed the committee that the projected costs stood at $134 million, mainly due to “travel, housing, food, and more.”
In discussions, Hegseth insisted that “all American citizens deserve to live in a safe community,” highlighting that ice agents face hostility while doing their jobs.
The Trump administration has taken a hard stance, highlighting violent records of individuals in connection with the riots that were sparked by attacks on workers. Notably, several illegal immigrants, included among those arrested, have faced serious charges.
The president stated that activating the National Guard and sending in Marines was crucial to prevent the riots from escalating, drawing comparisons to the protests that erupted after George Floyd’s death.
Hegseth mentioned he had personal experience as a national security guard during riots near the White House in 2020, reinforcing the need for swift action in similar situations.
“It’s misleading to question our commitment to the military and their protective roles,” he responded to critiques from the committee.
Amid tensions, protests continued, with reports of looting in various locations in Los Angeles, including cannabis shops.
California officials accused Trump of undermining state rights by federalizing the National Guard.
During a briefing, Trump expressed that “Los Angeles was under siege until we intervened,” citing the inability of local police to manage the unrest and assuring that without federal assistance, the situation might have worsened significantly.
The estimated cost of this deployment pales in comparison to expenses from past riots; for instance, damage from the Rodney King riots in 1992 reached $800 million, while the 2020 George Floyd protests exceeded $2 billion in national costs.
Trump claimed that his recent federal deployment was necessary to mitigate the chaos seen in previous events.
Hegseth’s recent hearing on Capitol Hill was relatively low-key, although Rep. Rosa Delauro (D-Conn.) did press Pentagon leaders for clarity on naval construction projects that Congress had funded.
Delauro questioned timelines for necessary investments following delays, seeking reassurance about future plans in shipbuilding amid ongoing discussions.
