President Trump’s recent actions in Los Angeles have sparked controversy as he continues efforts to use the military against American citizens. This move contradicts previous statements by Trump and his administration, who had publicly declared that taking over the National Guard would be illegal. Local and state law enforcement have expressed concerns that the military presence is worsening a situation they consider under control.
The focus of this militarization, according to critics, is not public safety but political motives. Reflecting on past events during Trump’s previous administration highlights instances where federal assistance was either requested or needed but not provided.
One notable instance occurred on January 6, 2021, when rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Despite requests for federal National Guard assistance, Trump did not send troops. Instead, he encouraged rioters and later pardoned many involved.
In Charlottesville in 2017, after a violent assembly involving white supremacists turned deadly, the Virginia governor activated the National Guard. Trump did not intervene or send additional military support.
Similarly, in Memphis in 2019 following protests after Brandon Webber’s shooting by U.S. Marshals, no federal intervention was made despite incidents of violence and injury to police officers.
Following George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020, widespread demonstrations erupted across the country. Multiple governors activated their state guards; however, Trump refrained from taking unilateral action to control any state guard.
In Kenosha during 2020 unrest after Jacob Blake’s shooting, Wisconsin’s governor called upon the National Guard without any federal takeover initiated by Trump.
A different scenario unfolded in Philadelphia in 2018 when post-Super Bowl celebrations turned chaotic and violent. There was no request for federal aid nor any action taken by Trump to involve the National Guard.
Addressing protests like those in Portland during his presidency, Trump stated: “We have to go by the laws. We can’t move in the National Guard… unless we are requested by a Governor.”
This background contrasts with recent events in Los Angeles where Trump’s approach has shifted toward deploying military forces without such requests from local authorities.
