Trump's National Guard Move in LA Sparks Legal Battle

• Trump activated National Guard in Los Angeles, bypassing state authority.
• Newsom called the move an abuse of power; court later ruled it illegal.
• Trump claimed the action was to protect ICE operations and prevent chaos.

US President Donald Trump has frequently spoken about using military force to crack down on protests against his administration.

That opportunity arose in Los Angeles this week, when protests against federal immigration sweeps turned chaotic. Overriding California Governor Gavin Newsom's authority, Trump activated the state's National Guard, a move military experts told the BBC was an escalation of his earlier promises and a potential politicization of the military.

Trump’s decision, coupled with his upcoming military parade in Washington, DC for the Army’s 250th anniversary, has sparked concerns. Major General Randy Manner, a retired US Army officer, criticized the action as politically motivated and unjustified.

The Trump administration defended the intervention, claiming it was essential to ensure the safety of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during immigration sweeps in Los Angeles. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth argued that ICE must be able to operate safely nationwide.

Trump also posted on TruthSocial, accusing Newsom of failing to protect ICE officers promptly and claiming that without federal troops, "Los Angeles would be burning to the ground."

Also Read: Trump's Military Move Sparks California Clash Over Immigration

Newsom, a Democrat and vocal Trump critic, rejected these claims, calling Trump’s move a "brazen abuse of power" that further escalated the tense situation.

On Thursday, a federal judge ruled Trump’s deployment was illegal and ordered control of the National Guard to be returned to Newsom. The ruling is currently on hold pending a government appeal.