Fact Check: Trump Deployed 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines to LA Amid Protests
What We Know
In June 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests related to his immigration policies. The deployment was characterized as a measure to protect federal property and personnel amid protests that had intensified following immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city (AP News, BBC).
Reports indicate that the National Guard troops were federalized, which allowed Trump to take control of them despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argued that local law enforcement could manage the situation without federal military intervention (New York Times, Gov. Newsom). The deployment was unprecedented, marking the first time in over six decades that a president had taken control of a state's National Guard against the wishes of its governor (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines to Los Angeles is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that the deployment was executed following protests against Trump's immigration enforcement actions, with military personnel arriving to protect federal facilities and personnel (AP News). The BBC corroborated this, stating that the total number of deployed troops was indeed 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines (BBC).
The New York Times provided additional context, explaining that the deployment raised significant legal questions regarding presidential authority and state sovereignty, as it was done without the consent of the state's governor (New York Times). Furthermore, the California government filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of this deployment, arguing that it was an abuse of power and unnecessary given the local law enforcement's capacity to handle the protests (Gov. Newsom, Reuters).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include established news organizations and official government statements. The Associated Press and BBC are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards, while the New York Times provides in-depth analysis of legal and political implications, making them credible sources for this information.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines to Los Angeles amid protests is True. This assertion is supported by multiple reputable sources that confirm the numbers and context of the deployment. The actions taken by the Trump administration were unprecedented and sparked significant legal and political debate regarding the use of military forces in domestic situations.
Sources
- What to know about the immigration protests in Los Angeles and ...
- ICYMI: Ending Trump's unlawful militarization of Los Angeles
- What military experts are saying: Veterans unite against ...
- Where the Legal Fight Over the California National Guard ...
- Everything we know about the protests in LA and other US ...
- Trump administration deploys Marines to Los Angeles ...
- 9th Circuit reverses ruling, allows Trump to keep military in LA
