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The governor of California announced that President Trump is deploying an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, adding to the existing 2,000 already in the city, including 300 currently stationed near the federal building. The situation is escalating, with a growing crowd gathered in the area as discussions unfold among lawmakers. Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a former Air National Guard lieutenant colonel, expresses concern about the implications of using National Guard troops in this context.
He clarifies that the troops present are U.S. Army forces activated under federal authority, distinguishing them from California National Guard units, who have law enforcement capabilities. Kinzinger suggests that Governor Newsom should take control by activating the state’s own National Guard, challenging Trump’s authority.
John Miller, a chief law enforcement analyst, highlights that law enforcement resources are strained, with LAPD operating with limited personnel. The focus is on community outreach to prevent escalation among protest groups, while considering maintaining order during potential unrest.
There is a strong visual presence at the protests, with flags signaling different sentiments—some participants carrying Mexican flags, which Kinzinger critiques, arguing that American flags would be a more unifying symbol.
As tensions rise, the LAPD orders the crowd to disperse, raising fears of potential use of force, including tear gas. Both the governor and the president are engaged in a power struggle over how to manage the protests, reflecting a broader confrontation between state and federal authority. Newsom accuses Trump of using the National Guard for political gain rather than public safety, emphasizing a concerning trend toward authoritarian measures.
The complex dynamics between Newsom and Trump are deepening, illustrating a contentious relationship exacerbated by ongoing tensions related to immigration, wildfire management, and political grievances. As federal troops arrive, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for confrontation looming.
