The ‘Long-Term Danger’ of Trump Sending Troops to the LA Protests
1 min read
Summary
Legal scholars and civil rights attorneys have warned about the potential implications of President Donals Trump’s deployment of US Marines in Los Angeles to protect federal buildings while protests take place over immigration enforcement.
Trump has federalised the National Guard in California, against the wishes of the state government, leading critics to suggest this is a step towards authoritarianism.
Trump has invoked powers that allow the president to deploy troops to control civil unrest, however, he has yet to invoke powers under the Insurrection Act.
Instead, he is relying on a theory of “inherent authority”, asserting that troops can be deployed to protect federal property.
Experts say the move has implications for the balance between civilian governance and the military and the relationship between Americans, states and the federal government.
While it is likely within Trump’s power to ignore Governor Newsom’s objections, this move is complex and carries serious implications.
Some have gone as far as to say that this action is completely unconstitutional.
The long-term danger is that citizens become accustomed to seeing military troops deployed to control protests.
