Fact Check: Is a Trump administration creating the chaos in California

Fact Check: Is a Trump Administration Creating the Chaos in California?

What We Know

In June 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging an illegal takeover of the California National Guard (CalGuard) that has escalated chaos and violence in Los Angeles. The lawsuit claims that President Trump’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution and exceed his authority under Title 10, as they were conducted without the Governor's consent, which is required by federal law (Governor Newsom suing President Trump and Department of ...).

The lawsuit describes the federal government's intervention as unnecessary, stating that local law enforcement had effectively managed the situation prior to Trump's involvement. The protests in Los Angeles, which began in response to aggressive immigration enforcement actions by ICE, were largely nonviolent and did not warrant federal intervention (Trump's chaos campaign in Los Angeles). Governor Newsom characterized Trump's actions as a "manufactured crisis" aimed at creating fear and disorder for political gain (Governor Newsom suing President Trump and Department of ...).

Analysis

The evidence presented in the lawsuit and public statements from state officials suggests that the Trump administration's actions were not only controversial but also potentially unlawful. Governor Newsom's assertion that Trump is "creating fear and terror" aligns with the broader narrative that the federal government's military presence in Los Angeles has inflamed tensions rather than alleviating them (Trump's chaos campaign in Los Angeles).

The credibility of the sources used in this fact-check is high, as they come from official statements by California state officials and reputable news organizations. For instance, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) chief denied claims made by Trump regarding the necessity of federal troops, indicating a disconnect between federal and local law enforcement perspectives (LAPD chief denies Trump's claim about welcoming troops). This further supports the argument that the chaos in California is exacerbated by federal actions rather than local conditions.

Moreover, the lawsuit's framing of Trump's actions as an overreach of presidential authority is supported by historical precedent, as such federalization of state militias without a governor's request is rare and has typically occurred under extraordinary circumstances (California files lawsuit over Trump's 'unlawful' deployment).

Critically, the Trump administration's narrative of a "rebellion" in California has been challenged by local officials who argue that the situation was under control and did not require military intervention (California officials detail Trump funding freeze 'chaos'). This discrepancy raises questions about the motivations behind the federal response and whether it serves a political agenda rather than public safety.

Conclusion

The claim that the Trump administration is creating chaos in California is True. The evidence indicates that the federal government's actions, particularly the deployment of the National Guard without state consent, have escalated tensions and unrest in Los Angeles. Governor Newsom's lawsuit articulates a clear argument against the legality of these actions, framing them as a deliberate attempt to manufacture a crisis for political purposes.