Summary
A federal judge in California is examining whether the Trump administration broke the law by sending the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles without the state's approval. Concurrently, President Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., to address crime and homelessness. The D.C. National Guard reports directly to the president, unlike state National Guards, which usually report to governors.
Key Facts
- A federal judge in California is reviewing the legality of Trump's deployment of troops to Los Angeles.
- President Trump is deploying the National Guard to Washington, D.C., citing a focus on homelessness and crime.
- The D.C. National Guard is unique because it answers directly to the president, unlike other state Guards.
- Trump directed the Defense Secretary to manage the D.C. Guard to restore "law and order."
- In June, the Trump administration sent over 4,000 Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the deployment and filed a lawsuit arguing it violates the Posse Comitatus Act.
- The D.C. Guard's ability to operate for law enforcement without federal authorization is considered a loophole in the law.
- In 2020, Trump also used the D.C. National Guard to manage protests against racism and police brutality.
