Newsom Sues Trump Admin Over "Unconstitutional" Military Deployment in Los Angeles

NEW YORK -- California Governor Gavin Newsom has escalated a confrontation with the Trump administration, filing a lawsuit to challenge the federalization of the California National Guard and the deployment of active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amidst ongoing protests. Newsom decried the moves as "reckless," "immoral," and "unconstitutional" in a recent Pod Save America interview, asserting that President Trump has crossed a "red line" by deploying military forces against American citizens without proper legal justification. The governor contends these actions usurp state authority and divert critical resources from pressing state needs like wildfire prevention and fentanyl interdiction.

The Trump administration has increased the number of federalized National Guard troops in Los Angeles to 4,000 and deployed approximately 700 active-duty Marines, citing the need to protect federal property and personnel during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Newsom argues that the initial deployment of 2,000 Guard members was excessive, with only a fraction mission-assigned, and that local law enforcement was capable of managing the situation. He highlighted the absurdity of local police having to protect the National Guard. The deployment of the 79th Infantry Brigade, known for its work during California wildfires, is seen by Newsom as a "theatrical display of toughness."

California's lawsuit seeks an immediate temporary restraining order and injunction to halt the federal deployments, arguing they violate statutory requirements and the 10th Amendment. Newsom emphasized that this federal action is not just an assault on California but a dangerous precedent for all states, indicative of "authoritarian tendencies." He warned that the current situation in California is a "preview of things to come" nationwide, drawing parallels to the events leading up to January 6th and criticizing the administration for weaponizing the military against its own people.

The governor expressed deep concern over the impact of intensified ICE operations, describing "mass panic" in communities, with residents afraid to leave their homes and children missing graduations. He recounted community leaders reporting checkpoints and unmarked cars near schools, creating an environment of fear. While condemning violence and property destruction by some protesters, Newsom stressed the need for peaceful protest and criticized the administration for inciting the very chaos it claims to be preventing. He also revealed that discussions about his potential arrest by federal authorities have occurred, underscoring the gravity of the standoff.

Newsom also addressed reports of the Trump administration planning to cut federal funding to California, viewing it as part of a broader assault on institutions of knowledge, culture, and dissent. He asserted that these actions were premeditated, occurring even before the recent protests began, and aimed at punishing California for its political opposition and assertion of its rights. The governor characterized the administration's actions as an "authoritarian playbook" designed to silence dissent and consolidate power.

Despite a recent collaborative phone call with President Trump where the National Guard deployment was not mentioned, Newsom described the president as "a different guy" than he dealt with four years ago. He expressed bewilderment at the administration's current tactics and reiterated his commitment to protecting Californians and upholding the rule of law, even as he acknowledged the "dangerous game" being played. He maintained that ICE should be allowed to conduct lawful operations but criticized the current approach as lacking collaboration and creating undue fear among law-abiding residents.