President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles without Governor Newsom’s consent has ignited fierce debate about presidential authority. As protests against immigration enforcement actions continue across the city, Trump has suggested he might invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807. Does this moment reveal broader tension between federal and local governments?
Presidential Authority and Civil Unrest
President Trump ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles following days of protests against federal immigration enforcement actions, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority. The deployment represents a rare exercise of federal power over state military forces, with Trump characterizing protesters as “violent, insurrectionist mobs” while threatening further escalation if unrest continues.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has intensified concerns by stating that “if violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized” and that military units are “on high alert.” Governor Newsom immediately denounced the federal intervention as “unlawful” and announced plans to challenge the action in court, setting up a significant constitutional showdown.
Donald Trump is invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 to suspend Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 as 500 Active Duty U.S. Marines are deployed to the hell-hole that is Los Angeles.
Whoever is funding all this needs to be tried for sedition at Gitmo. pic.twitter.com/wRg86HAwiP
— Edward G. 🇺🇸🦅 (@realEdwardG) June 9, 2025
The Insurrection Act and Its Implications
The Insurrection Act grants the president extraordinary authority to deploy military forces within U.S. borders under specific circumstances, including rebellion, obstruction of laws, or domestic violence. This 1807 law represents one of the few exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which generally prohibits using federal military personnel to enforce domestic policies.
When reporters asked if he planned to invoke the Insurrection Act, Trump responded: “Depends on whether or not there is an insurrection,” before adding, “No, no. But you have violent people, and we are not going to let them get away with it.” The Act has been invoked approximately 30 times throughout American history, most recently during the 1992 Los Angeles riots when then-Governor Pete Wilson requested federal assistance.
“Overwhelmingly peaceful” according to Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/JFrBCALC6d
— GOP (@GOP) June 9, 2025
Military Politicization Concerns
Military experts have expressed alarm about the potential weaponization of armed forces against American citizens engaged in constitutionally protected activities. Major General Paul Eaton warned that “This is the politicisation of the armed forces” and that “We are headed towards the invocation of the Insurrection Act, which will provide a legal basis for inappropriate activity.”
The deployment comes amid broader concerns about Trump’s approach to military leadership, including his removal of top military officials and plans for a military parade in Washington, DC, coinciding with his birthday. Critics argue these actions reflect authoritarian tendencies, with Lieutenant General Jeffrey Buchanan specifically cautioning against the politicization of military leadership.
Local law enforcement has reportedly not requested federal assistance, raising questions about whether the deployment serves legitimate public safety needs or political objectives. The developing situation in Los Angeles may establish precedents for how federal authorities respond to civil protests and the balance of power between states and the federal government in managing domestic disturbances.