Political divide widens as Trump deploys National Guard to Los Angeles
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
US President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles amid massive protests against increasing and divisive immigration raids.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
WASHINGTON – Republicans and Democrats traded barbs on June 8 after US President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles
“Important to remember that Trump isn’t trying to heal or keep the peace. He is looking to inflame and divide,” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said in one of the most direct rebukes.
“His movement doesn’t believe in democracy or protest – and if they get a chance to end the rule of law, they will take it.”
Democratic Senator Cory Booker condemned Mr Trump for deploying troops without California's approval, warning it would only escalate tensions.
On NBC’s Meet The Press public affairs programme, he accused Mr Trump of hypocrisy and noted the President’s inaction on Jan 6, 2021, when thousands of his supporters raided the US Capitol and his subsequent pardons for those arrested.
Footage showed at least a half dozen military-style vehicles and riot shields on June 8 at the federal building in Los Angeles with federal law enforcement firing gas canisters to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdown.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mr Trump sparred over the protests, with Mr Newsom condemning the federal response as an overreach, saying Mr Trump wants “a spectacle” while the President accused Mr Newsom of failing to maintain order.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on June 8 defended Mr Trump’s decision and said he had no concern about the National Guard deployment, adding: “One of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength. We do that in foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well. I don’t think that’s heavy-handed.”
Republican Senator James Lankford said Mr Trump is trying to de-escalate tensions, pointing to scenes of protesters throwing objects at law enforcement officers.
He recalled similar unrest in 2020 in Seattle and Portland, where the National Guard backed local law enforcement amid racial justice protests.
The protests against the raids have become the latest focal point in a national debate over immigration, protest rights, and the use of federal force in domestic affairs.
It also has fuelled discussion on the boundaries of presidential power and the public's right to dissent. REUTERS
