Fact Check: 60 years since a president sent National Guard without state request.

Fact Check: "60 years since a president sent National Guard without state request."

What We Know

The claim that it has been 60 years since a U.S. president sent in the National Guard without a request from a state governor is supported by multiple sources. Most notably, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin stated in a recent Senate floor speech that it has been 60 years since a president has deployed the National Guard for a domestic operation without the consent of the state's governor (Durbin's Speech). This statement aligns with historical accounts, which indicate that the last instance occurred in 1965 when President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard to protect civil rights marchers during the Selma to Montgomery marches, despite the refusal of Alabama Governor George Wallace to cooperate (NPR).

In the context of recent events, President Trump deployed the National Guard to California without the request of Governor Gavin Newsom, marking a significant political and military decision that has drawn criticism (NPR). This action has been described as an "abuse of power" by some commentators, highlighting the rarity of such presidential actions in modern times (NPR).

Analysis

The assertion that it has been 60 years since a president bypassed a governor to deploy the National Guard is corroborated by credible sources. The historical precedent set by President Johnson in 1965 is well-documented, and the circumstances surrounding that decision are clear. Johnson acted after being informed that the state could not ensure the safety of civil rights activists, which was a significant factor in his decision to federalize the National Guard (NPR).

Durbin's remarks are also supported by reports from other reputable outlets, including the New York Times, which confirms that the last similar instance was indeed in 1965 (New York Times). This consistency across various sources enhances the reliability of the claim.

Furthermore, the context of Trump's deployment of the National Guard to California without state consent is significant. It not only reflects a departure from typical protocol but also raises questions about the politicization of military resources in domestic affairs (NPR, Durbin's Speech). The implications of such actions are profound, as they can lead to escalated tensions between state and federal authorities.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that it has been 60 years since a president sent the National Guard without a state request is accurate. Historical records confirm that the last instance was during Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency in 1965. The recent actions taken by President Trump represent a significant and controversial departure from established norms regarding the deployment of National Guard troops.

Fact Check: 60 years since a president sent National Guard without state request.