Fact Check: "Trump is the first president since 1965 to deploy National Guard without governor's consent."
What We Know
The claim that "Trump is the first president since 1965 to deploy National Guard without governor's consent" is rooted in a historical context regarding the activation of the National Guard. The last instance prior to Trump's actions occurred in March 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson bypassed Alabama Governor George Wallace to deploy the National Guard during the civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery. This was a rare use of presidential authority, as typically, the National Guard is activated at the request of state governors, who have command over their troops (New York Times, Council on Foreign Relations).
In June 2025, President Trump federalized and deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who opposed the move. This action was described as unprecedented in the last 60 years, marking the first time since Johnson's decision that a president activated a state's National Guard over the objections of the state's governor (NPR, The Guardian).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is strong, as multiple reputable sources confirm that Trump's deployment of the National Guard in California was indeed the first such action since 1965 that did not involve the consent of the state's governor. The New York Times notes that such actions are rare and typically require cooperation between federal and state authorities. The Council on Foreign Relations also emphasizes the unusual nature of bypassing a governor in these circumstances (New York Times, Council on Foreign Relations).
Furthermore, a federal judge ruled that Trump's activation of the National Guard violated constitutional principles regarding the division of powers, reinforcing the notion that such actions should not be taken lightly and typically require state cooperation (NPR). This legal context adds weight to the claim, as it indicates a significant deviation from established norms regarding the deployment of National Guard troops.
While some sources may have varying degrees of bias, the core facts presented are corroborated by multiple independent outlets, including NPR and The Guardian, which are generally regarded as reliable news organizations.
Conclusion
The claim that "Trump is the first president since 1965 to deploy National Guard without governor's consent" is True. The historical precedent set by President Johnson in 1965 establishes a clear benchmark, and Trump's actions in 2025 represent a significant departure from this norm, confirming the validity of the claim.
