Trump deploys National Guard to LA to prevent repeat of 2020 riots
President Donald Trump wasted no time in responding to the recent riots in Los Angeles County by activating the National Guard, a move that has sparked controversy and drawn comparisons to the violent protests that erupted in the summer of 2020. The decision to federalize 4,100 National Guard soldiers and deploy hundreds of Marines came in the face of opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom, who is now suing Trump over the decision.
Trump’s administration defended the decision, citing the need to prevent the riots from escalating to the level of violence and destruction seen during the Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots in 2020. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of using the National Guard’s special skill set to maintain peace and prevent a repeat of the chaos that unfolded in Minneapolis last year.
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota faced criticism for his delayed response in mobilizing the National Guard during the riots following George Floyd’s death. Noem accused Walz of letting his city burn for days before requesting assistance from Trump. Despite Walz eventually activating the entire Minnesota National Guard, his initial hesitancy prompted Trump to threaten to federalize the soldiers to ensure the situation was handled effectively.
The National Guard is a critical component of state defense, with governors and presidents sharing authority over its deployment. While governors typically have control over their respective National Guard units, presidents can call them into federal service under certain circumstances. In 2020, amid widespread unrest, governors in 32 states and Washington, D.C., activated over 32,000 National Guard soldiers to maintain order.
The swift response by Trump to activate the National Guard in Los Angeles County has been met with support from his administration, which is determined to prevent a repeat of the violence and destruction seen in 2020. Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar emphasized the importance of defending law enforcement and federal buildings to ensure public safety and prevent violent radicals from intimidating authorities.
As the situation unfolds, the National Guard remains a crucial tool in maintaining peace and order during times of unrest. Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles County underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding law and order and preventing further chaos from erupting. The swift action taken by Trump serves as a reminder of the importance of a strong and decisive response to protect communities from violence and destruction.
