Newsom requests taxpayer cost disclosure for Trump-era National Guard deployment

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking details on the cost to taxpayers for President Trump’s deployment of federal troops and the National Guard in Los Angeles. The move comes as California continues to call for the release of National Guard members still stationed at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos.

“It’s been 60 days since the federal government deployed the military against its own citizens, over the objection of state and local officials. Americans deserve to know how much taxpayer money the President spent to orchestrate this political theater,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The FOIA request asks for all documents and records related to expenses incurred by activating U.S. Marines and federalizing National Guard units since June 7. Department of Defense staff have previously told Congress that $134 million would be spent on this deployment.

A trial in Newsom v. Trump is scheduled for next week in federal court, where evidence will be presented regarding what Governor Newsom describes as unlawful actions taken by federal troops during their deployment in Southern California.

Economic impacts from both the military presence and recent immigration raids are reportedly affecting California’s economy. According to data, private sector work attendance has dropped by 3.1%, similar to declines seen during COVID-19 lockdowns. Local business owners and faith leaders have voiced concerns about these effects in meetings with Governor Newsom. Forecasts from UCLA Anderson suggest that ongoing tariffs and immigration enforcement could lead to economic contraction later this year, particularly impacting sectors like construction, hospitality, and agriculture.

Estimates indicate that mass arrests, detentions, and deportations could result in a $275 billion loss for California’s economy while eliminating $23 billion in annual tax revenue. Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022; projections show this could increase if more were allowed lawful employment.

Since nearly two months after the start of federalization, most deployed Guardsmembers have returned home—4,700 out of almost 5,000 soldiers—while approximately 300 remain active under federal orders. State officials continue urging their return.

Deployment has also removed service members from essential civilian jobs such as healthcare, law enforcement, education, building trades, technology services, agriculture work, corrections roles, and civil service positions.

Former governors from both major parties argue that this use of force undermines state authority; a bipartisan group of 25 former governors submitted a legal brief supporting California’s position against federalization of its National Guard units. High-ranking retired military officers have also filed briefs warning about risks associated with these actions. Several veterans’ groups have joined efforts opposing further militarization within California.