Overview: California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its illegal takeover of the California National Guard, claiming it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 marines to Los Angeles without the request or support of Newsom, stoking fear in local communities. Despite Trump’s threats and actions, community protests have forced the Trump administration to back down in a number of immigration cases across the country. Newsom called Trump’s action “purposefully inflammatory,” claiming it will only serve to escalate tensions and “erode public trust.”
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This weekend provided a fortuitous opportunity for the Trumpster to once again break the law by deploying the national guard in Los Angeles. He did so without the the request or support andover the objections of CA Governor Gavin Newsom.
I say it was a fortuitous opportunity for the president because it’s no secret he’s been aching to flex his muscles in a sanctuary city. Nationalizing and deploying military forces under “his” authority is certain to stoke fear in local communities. He initially authorized the deployment of 2,000 troops.
We are not too far removed from the president making a “state of emergency” declaration, at which point all bets will be off, further opening the door for our nation to slip into a full blown police state.
Although people continue to protest nationally against the arrest and deportation of immigrants without due process, on Friday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted immigration raids in the downtown area of L.A. triggering this new round of protests in support of those being impacted. Although some protestors were disruptive and arrested, for the most part, the ongoing protests continue to be peaceful.
Today, the spotlight is on troops in the streets of Los Angeles. How long before they are lined up in downtown Riverside or San Bernardino or Moreno Valley or Rialto?
“If you want a picture of the future [under Donald Trump], imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever.”
George Orwell, 1984
In a press release, Newsom called Trump’s action “purposefully inflammatory,” claiming it will only serve to escalate tensions and “erode public trust.” Meanwhile, Trump has threated to arrest both Newsom and CA Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Despite the threats, CA leaders are not backing down and have now filed suit against the Trump administration for its illegal takeover of the California National Guard (CalGuard).
As noted in Newsom’s press release, by filing this lawsuit, CA is not only taking a stand for its own state sovereignty, but for every state in the nation.
Despite Trump’s overheated lies in the media aimed at feeding red meat to his base and stoking fear in those who oppose him, experts agree Trump is violating the U.S. Constitution and exceeding the President’s Title 10 authority. But, I must ask you this rhetorical question: Since when has Trump cared about the law or the dictates of the U.S. Constitution? Never! Unless of course, there is something in the law and/or Constitution that works to his personal or political advantage.
To justify his action in Los Angeles Trump declared “rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States” was happening in the city. What is most interesting according to Newsom, is that the order was not specific to California meaning that the Trumpster has set the stage for him to assume control of any state militia.
An example of the administration’s hypocrisy is clearly evident in this old social media post from former Governor of South Dakota and now Secretary of Homeland Security and Trump enabler, Kristi Noem. In February 2024, she tweeted that “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on state’s rights.” If the Trump administration was not dangerous this would be laughable. But, I can only call it disgraceful.
Despite the administration’s questionable actions, ongoing threats and now, military deployments, community protests has forced the Trump administration to back down in a number of immigration cases across the country.
The more outrageous and egregious this administration gets, the greater the need for communities across the country to raise their voices in protest.
Regardless of the lies Trump tells or the actions he takes, we must not grow complacent or weary. This week, I leave you with this thought from the Gulag Archipelago: “In keeping silent about evil… we are solely to blame. The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie.”
Of course this is just my opinion. I’m keeping it real.
Late Monday afternoon the Trump administration announced it was deploying an additional 2,000 National Guard to Los Angeles. He also deployed 700 marines to the area.
This article was updated on 6-13-25 to correct typographical errors.