Trump Mobilizes National Guard Amid California Protests
President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in response to protests and riots in California faced criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.
In a recent declaration, Trump stated that activating National Guard troops was essential for protecting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Brad Moss, a national security lawyer, explained that Trump’s legal basis for this action came from Title 10, particularly 10 USC 12406, which allows the president to mobilize the National Guard during a state of rebellion.
The National Guard, typically controlled by state governors, can be federally mobilized by the president under specific circumstances. Moss noted that Trump’s National Guard declaration was rather vague and difficult to understand.
According to Trump, he placed 2,000 National Guard soldiers under his command and assigned logistical responsibilities to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses. Following this, the U.S. Northern Command announced that 300 soldiers had been deployed from the California Army National Guard, emphasizing their role in safeguarding federal personnel and property.
Interestingly, while Trump has relied on the National Guard previously, this particular move seemed unusual as he lacked the support of the state governor. Moss pointed out that while technically the president can call on the National Guard without the governor’s consent, there are limitations regarding its usage. The outcome of potential legal challenges remains uncertain.
Democratic governors united in their opposition to Trump’s actions, labeling them as an “abuse of power.” Newsom went further, suggesting that Trump exacerbated the situation, asserting that local police had the unrest under control prior to the president’s military call.
“He ignited the flames and illegitimately federated the National Guard. His orders aren’t just confined to California,” Newsom remarked.
Over the weekend, reports from Los Angeles police indicated incidents of unlawful gatherings outside the Immigration Detention Center. Protesters were seen hurling objects, setting fire to property, and looting businesses, causing a significant amount of damage.
