Fact Check: "Trump suggested that the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles was the reason protests in that city went peacefully on June 15, 2025."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, protests in Los Angeles were ongoing, largely in response to the Trump administration's immigration policies. The city had seen a significant number of demonstrations, which authorities anticipated could be "unprecedented" in scale (New York Times). In response to these protests, President Trump ordered the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, citing the need to maintain order and protect federal properties (AP News).
While Trump characterized the protests as a "rebellion," he did not explicitly state that the deployment of the National Guard was the sole reason for the peaceful nature of the protests on that specific day (Reuters). Instead, law enforcement officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring that protests remained peaceful, distinguishing between peaceful demonstrators and those who might engage in violence (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Trump suggested the deployment of National Guard troops was the reason protests went peacefully lacks direct evidence from credible sources. While Trump did deploy the National Guard, the context of his statements and the nature of the protests indicate a more complex situation.
The New York Times reported that the police chief of Los Angeles stated the department was prepared to balance public safety with the right to protest. This suggests that the peaceful nature of the protests could be attributed to law enforcement's proactive measures rather than solely the presence of the National Guard. Furthermore, the characterization of protests as a "rebellion" by Trump (Reuters) could imply a more aggressive stance towards demonstrators, which might not align with a narrative that credits the National Guard for peace.
Additionally, the BBC noted that the deployment of the National Guard was justified under a law allowing such action during a "rebellion," which indicates a perception of unrest rather than a guarantee of peace. This framing raises questions about the reliability of Trump's assertion that the National Guard's presence was the primary reason for the peaceful protests.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that Trump suggested the deployment of National Guard troops was the reason protests in Los Angeles went peacefully is not substantiated by direct evidence from credible sources. While the National Guard was deployed, the peaceful nature of the protests could be attributed to various factors, including law enforcement's strategies. Further investigation into Trump's specific statements and the broader context of the protests is necessary to draw a definitive conclusion.
Sources
- Protests Could Be 'Unprecedented' in L.A ... - The New York Times
- Appeals court allows Trump to keep National Guard in L.A. ... - Reuters
- Donald Trump | Breaking News & Latest Updates | AP News
- Donald Trump – Wikipedia
- Latest Donald Trump News | Top Headlines on Donald Trump - Reuters
- Appeals court temporarily allows Trump to keep National ... - BBC
- What to know about the immigration protests in Los Angeles and ... - AP News
- National Guard Use in Los Angeles in Doubt After Court ... - The New York Times