Sen. Lankford Defends Trump National Guard Deployment to Deescalate California Unrest

President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area without California Governor Gavin Newsom's approval to help de-escalate protests and unrest, according to Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.). Lankford described the protests as escalating beyond peaceful demonstrations, citing burning cars, concrete blocks thrown at federal law enforcement, and protesters flying Mexican flags while defying arrest. He compared the situation to the 2020 Portland protests, emphasizing that Trump aims to prevent a prolonged crisis by swiftly enforcing federal laws regardless of state objections. Despite Governor Newsom and LAPD officials characterizing the protests as peaceful with no unmet law enforcement needs, Lankford argued that local authorities are overwhelmed and that the National Guard's presence is necessary. He clarified that active-duty Marines would serve only in support roles, not direct law enforcement, and criticized sanctuary city policies in California for contributing to lawlessness. The deployment reflects the Trump administration's approach to maintaining order amid ongoing tensions related to immigration enforcement and civil unrest.