Governor Newsom Urges Trump to Withdraw National Guard from Los Angeles: What This Means for the City

Governor Gavin Newsom recently escalated tensions with President Trump by demanding that the National Guard leave the streets of Los Angeles. Newsom argued on social media that the federal order to deploy troops was “unlawful” and insisted that control of the Guard should remain with California.

It’s unusual for a president to bypass a state governor when calling in the National Guard, especially in situations of civil unrest. In California, the governor appoints the head of the National Guard, making this action particularly controversial.

Newsom’s plea came amid protests related to a strict immigration enforcement policy that has led to significant unrest in Los Angeles, including reports of tear gas and clashes with the police. “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved,” he said, highlighting what he views as a violation of state sovereignty and an escalation of tensions.

Trump’s decision to act without Newsom’s consent relied on a seldom-used part of federal law that permits National Guard deployment during civil unrest. Historically, it’s been rare for a president to override a governor’s authority in such circumstances. Elizabeth Goitein from the Brennan Center notes that the last instance happened in 1965 when President Johnson sent troops to Alabama to protect civil rights demonstrators.

In response, David Sapp, a legal advisor to Newsom, maintained that local law enforcement was equipped to handle the situation without federal intervention. He emphasized that local and state authorities are best suited to assess the need for security resources in rapidly evolving scenarios.

This incident highlights a growing trend of conflict between state and federal governments in the U.S. Issues like immigration, public safety, and law enforcement have increasingly drawn sharp divides. In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 62% of Americans expressed concern about governmental overreach, indicating that many share Newsom’s apprehensions about federal authority superseding local governance.

In summary, this ongoing situation in California not only underscores the friction between state and federal authority but also reflects broader national debates about governance and civil rights.



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California,Federal-State Relations (US),United States Politics and Government,United States Defense and Military Forces,Governors (US),National Guard,Newsom, Gavin,Demonstrations, Protests and Riots,Immigration and Emigration,Illegal Immigration