News Summary
California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, deeming it a wasteful political maneuver. The deployment has reportedly cost taxpayers approximately $120 million, with a federal judge ruling against its legality in relation to immigration enforcement. Newsom argues this misuse of funds undermines National Guard readiness and has initiated actions to prevent further troop presence until after the upcoming election. The controversy highlights broader concerns about military involvement in domestic issues, particularly immigration.
Los Angeles, California — California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed strong criticism of President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, labeling it costly political theater. According to Newsom’s office, the total expense of this deployment is approximately $120 million, a figure that has raised eyebrows among state officials and taxpayers alike.
The breakdown of the costs includes $71 million allocated for food and basic necessities, $37 million for payroll, $4 million for logistical supplies, $3.5 million for travel, and $1.5 million designated for demobilization efforts. More than 4,200 National Guard members and 700 Marines were initially sent to Los Angeles in response to protests that erupted over immigration raids earlier this year. While the majority of these troops returned home in August, approximately 300 National Guard members remain stationed in the city.
Adding weight to the controversy, a federal judge recently ruled that the deployment by the Trump administration was illegal, particularly concerning its relation to immigration enforcement. This ruling has significant implications, as it prohibits military troops from assisting in immigration arrests, a decision that has been viewed as a victory for California against Trump’s policies. In light of these developments, Newsom has filed a preliminary injunction aimed at preventing the continued presence of National Guard members in Los Angeles until after the upcoming November election.
Furthermore, Newsom has called the deployment a misuse of taxpayer funds and detrimental to the overall readiness of the National Guard. He has pursued a Freedom of Information Act request to gain a clearer understanding of the total financial burden stemming from the troop activation. Reports surfaced, indicating soldiers were often seen “passing the days” idly without a defined mission, contributing to feelings of discontent among the troops.
During their time in Los Angeles, temporary facilities were established, including a tent city at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos and logistical support at the federal building in Westwood. Many service members, along with their families, have reported conflicting emotions regarding their assignment, given the complex nature of the mission related to immigration issues.
In a broader context, the Trump administration has also deployed over 2,200 National Guard troops to Washington D.C., amid ongoing accusations of authoritarianism, including concerns regarding the establishment of a national police force under the President’s command. The White House has announced plans to appeal the recent federal judge’s ruling that restricts the involvement of troops in specific operations.
Governor Newsom’s criticism of the troop deployment underscores a growing concern regarding the financial implications associated with such military actions. He has urged other states to carefully consider the costs and consequences of similar deployments. The ongoing financial strain coupled with the recent legal challenges may force a reevaluation of the role of National Guard troops in domestic operations, particularly in politically charged situations like immigration enforcement.
As the situation continues to evolve, both local and national entities will likely be watching closely, noting not only the implications for military deployment but also the broader discussions around immigration policy and states’ rights in the face of federal decisions.
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Additional Resources
- The Center Square
- Wikipedia: National Guard (United States)
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: National Guard deployment California
- ABC7 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google News: California National Guard cost
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
