National Guard Troops Hit the Streets of LA as Trump Overrides Governor Newsom

In a move that has ignited both political and public outcry, President Donald Trump has federalized the California National Guard and ordered the deployment of 2,000 troops to Los Angeles County. This action comes in response to escalating protests against federal immigration enforcement operations, particularly in the city of Paramount, where clashes between demonstrators and federal agents have intensified over the past two days.

The troops, drawn from California’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, arrived equipped with long guns and armored vehicles, establishing a presence around federal complexes in downtown Los Angeles. Their mission, as outlined by the White House, is to “safeguard federal personnel and property,” with a primary focus on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and facilities.

🚨 #BREAKING: President Trump has officially taken control of the California National Guard and will be deploying THOUSANDS of troops to the streets of Los Angeles tonight, per Gov. Newsom

LET’S GO!

WE’RE TAKING OUR COUNTRY BACK! pic.twitter.com/x9LhLva89u

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 8, 2025

Authority and Legal Controversy

The deployment operates under Title 10 federal authority, allowing the president to federalize National Guard troops without the consent of state governors under certain conditions, such as rebellion or an inability to enforce federal laws. However, the legality of bypassing state approval remains a contentious issue. Notably, President Trump has not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would grant broader powers for military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

Legal experts express concern over this approach. Laura Dickinson, a professor at George Washington University Law School, stated:

“It is unclear what legal authority the president is using to deploy the troops. If he is invoking the Insurrection Act, he has to issue a proclamation explaining that. And that act is supposed to be used only in the most extreme circumstances, when violence overwhelms the capacity of federal, state, and local authorities to protect public safety and security.”

Governor Newsom’s Response: A Clash of Authorities

Governor Gavin Newsom isn’t mincing words. He’s flat-out furious about President Trump’s decision to federalize the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 troops to Los Angeles County. According to Newsom, this isn’t about law enforcement or public safety — it’s about theater.

“The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” he said, firing off statements both through official channels and social media.

Newsom’s view is that this entire move is “purposefully inflammatory,” meant to provoke rather than protect. He’s warning it will only pour gasoline on an already smoldering fire. Rather than restoring order, he says it’s more likely to escalate tensions and damage the public’s trust in leadership. He’s calling on Californians — especially those protesting immigration crackdowns — to stay cool-headed. “Do not provide them with one,” he warned. “Avoid violence. Advocate for change peacefully.”

Alongside other state leaders, Newsom made it clear: California didn’t ask for this. They didn’t need it. Local cops and sheriffs were already on the ground with enough muscle to keep things from boiling over. By sending in the Guard without state consent, Newsom argues the federal government is undercutting California’s authority and turning a tense moment into a dangerous power struggle. In his eyes, this isn’t about maintaining peace — it’s about flexing for the cameras.

Gavin Newsom incited violence against ICE.

He encouraged illegals to riot.

Now he’s backtracking.

It’s too late.

LOCK NEWSOM UP.

Deport ALL the illegals.

Make California American Again!pic.twitter.com/0VDPSsCfS9

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 8, 2025

Historical Context: Echoes of the Past

Sending the National Guard into Los Angeles isn’t a new trick—it’s happened more than a few times when things have gone sideways. One of the most infamous cases was back in 1992 during the Rodney King riots. After four LAPD officers were acquitted in King’s brutal beating, the city exploded in chaos.

Governor Pete Wilson asked the feds for help, and President George H.W. Bush answered by federalizing the California National Guard and even sending in U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton. It took days to get things under control, and by then the damage was staggering: over 60 people dead, thousands injured, and property losses north of $1 billion. The Guard and Marines finally managed to restore order, but the help came after Los Angeles had already been set on fire—literally and figuratively.

Fast-forward to 2020, when George Floyd’s murder ignited massive protests across the country. Los Angeles was right in the middle of it again. But this time, Governor Gavin Newsom kept things in-state. He activated about 5,500 California National Guard troops, working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement. Their mission was more focused—hold the line, enforce curfews, and protect property. No federal takeover. The Guard’s presence was temporary, and within days, things calmed down. That deployment was an example of coordination done right—state-led, purpose-driven, and short-term.

Looking even further back, the Guard’s been called up for all sorts of domestic chaos: labor strikes, riots, and natural disasters going back to the 19th century. The common thread? They were always the backup plan—a last resort when local authorities couldn’t keep a lid on things.

What makes this 2025 deployment different—and controversial—is who’s giving the orders. In 1992, the Guard was federalized at the governor’s request. Now, Trump’s sending them in over the governor’s objections, which is rare and legally murky. That shift in power dynamics changes the game. In the past, success depended on coordination and timing. When things clicked, the Guard helped stabilize the situation. When they didn’t—like in ’92—the cavalry arrived after the worst had already happened.

Bottom line: whenever the Guard shows up in Los Angeles, it usually means the situation’s gone from bad to worse. They help restore order, sure, but it often comes after blood’s been spilled and buildings are burning. The stakes in 2025 are no different—only this time, the political battle over who’s in charge might be just as explosive as the unrest in the streets.

The Broader Implications: A Nation on Edge

What we’re witnessing in Los Angeles isn’t just another flashpoint—it’s a full-blown stress test for American democracy. When a sitting president seizes control of a state’s National Guard and drops 2,000 troops into one of the country’s largest urban centers over the objections of that state’s elected leadership, we are no longer simply talking about protest control. We’re talking about the raw exercise of federal power—executive muscle being flexed to keep the peace.

This is equal parts law enforcement and performance art with bayonets.

And the stakes? They couldn’t be higher. If this becomes the new norm—where the president can override governors on a whim, federalize the Guard like pawns on a board, and send armed soldiers into American neighborhoods under the thinnest veil of legality—then what stops the next guy from doing the same? Or worse?

So here we are—watching the slow-motion collision of crisis and control, protest and provocation, law and the long shadow of authoritarian instinct. The streets of Los Angeles are the proving ground once again, and every American should be paying attention.

This is more than a military deployment. It’s a canary in a coal mine, and that canary is democracy.