Fact Check: Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Criticized President Trump for Spending $134 Million on Federal Troops to Quell Anti-ICE Riots in Los Angeles
What We Know
Governor Gavin Newsom of California and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have publicly condemned President Trump's deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles amid protests against immigration raids. Newsom referred to the military presence as a “brazen abuse of power” during a televised speech, highlighting the tensions surrounding the ongoing protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies (source-1). Mayor Bass also criticized the deployment, describing it as a “deliberate attempt” by the Trump administration to create disorder in the city (source-2).
The claim that the federal government spent $134 million on this military deployment has been reported, with California officials pointing out that this expenditure could have been used for local needs instead (source-3). The deployment included thousands of National Guard troops and Marines, which was seen as an escalation of military involvement in civilian protests (source-5).
Analysis
The criticism from Newsom and Bass regarding the military deployment is well-documented and reflects their concerns about the implications of using federal troops in a civilian context. Both officials have articulated their opposition to the deployment, framing it as an unnecessary and provocative measure that exacerbates tensions in the city (source-1, source-2).
However, the $134 million figure is somewhat contentious. While it has been reported that this amount reflects the costs associated with the deployment, the exact breakdown of these costs and how they were calculated is not fully transparent. The source of this figure appears to stem from political commentary rather than a detailed financial report, which raises questions about its accuracy and context (source-3).
Moreover, the reliability of the sources reporting this information varies. The New York Times and Associated Press are generally regarded as credible news sources, while Fox News may have a more partisan perspective, which could influence the framing of the information (source-1, source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass criticized President Trump for spending $134 million on federal troops to quell anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles is Partially True. Both officials did indeed criticize the deployment of troops and the associated costs, framing it as an abuse of power and a threat to public order. However, the specific figure of $134 million lacks detailed verification and context, making it difficult to fully endorse without reservations. The criticism is valid, but the financial claim requires further substantiation.
Sources
- Newsom Slams Trump For 'Brazen Abuse of Power' as L.A. ...
- Los Angeles leaders impose curfew as protests against ...
- Social media exposes CA Dems with receipts on illegals ...
- L.A. Mayor Shocked by Trump's 'Absurd' Claim When ...
- The Militarized Response to Protests of Immigration Raids ...
- Federal judge to hear California's case against Trump ...
- With troops and protests, Trump's feud with California ...
- Newsom Slams Trump for Sending Troops to L.A.
