Trump Meets with Military Leaders at Camp David

President Donald Trump convened military leaders and cabinet officials at Camp David on Sunday to discuss potential strategies to address the anti-immigrant protests in Los Angeles. “We’re going to Camp David for meetings on various important subjects,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One.

White House representatives indicated that this gathering marks the beginning of regular off-campus retreats for the president and vice president with key personnel. Notable attendees included Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

The discussions included whether to deploy U.S. Marines to assist in quelling the riots in Los Angeles, where activists are protesting government immigration and customs enforcement actions. Trump has already sent 2,000 National Guard members to the city, a move that was made without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. He invoked the Insurrection Act, keeping the option open for further military intervention.

The military typically cannot conduct domestic law enforcement, but under the Insurrection Act, the president may mobilize troops to restore order. Hegseth suggested that the deployment of Marines would serve more as a deterrent rather than a show of force.

Trump emphasized to his cabinet that they should take all necessary actions to “free Los Angeles from immigrant invasions and end these immigrant riots.” Camp David has served as a retreat for U.S. presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s time.

Alongside the unrest, trade negotiations with China were set to begin on Monday, adding a layer of complexity to the administration’s agenda. Discussions also included Trump’s ongoing spending legislation and negotiations with Iran regarding nuclear ambitions. Following the retreat, Trump plans to have conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on hostage and ceasefire issues involving Hamas.