Fact Check: Trump's control of National Guard troops in LA is unprecedented since 1965.

Fact Check: Trump's Control of National Guard Troops in LA is Unprecedented Since 1965

What We Know

On June 8, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests following immigration raids. This action has been described as unprecedented because it marks the first time since 1965 that a president has activated National Guard troops without the consent of the state governor. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Trump's authority to maintain control over these troops, reversing an earlier ruling that deemed his actions illegal. The court noted that while the president's powers are not unlimited, the administration provided sufficient justification for the deployment, citing violent protests that endangered federal officers and property.

Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the deployment, arguing that it was unnecessary and inflamed tensions. He expressed disappointment over the court's decision but acknowledged that it rejected Trump's claim of absolute authority over the National Guard without judicial oversight (AP News, NPR).

Analysis

The claim that Trump's control over the National Guard in Los Angeles is unprecedented since 1965 is supported by multiple sources. The AP News article explicitly states that this is the first instance since Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency that a president has activated a state's National Guard without the governor's permission. This historical context is crucial in understanding the significance of Trump's actions.

Moreover, a retired general, William Enyart, emphasized the unusual nature of this deployment, stating, "They've thrown the entire playbook out" (NPR). This indicates a significant departure from established protocols, which typically require local officials to request National Guard assistance when local resources are overwhelmed. The legal and constitutional implications of this deployment have raised concerns among military and legal experts, who argue that it undermines local control and accountability (Washington Post).

However, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The AP and NPR are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The opinions of experts like Enyart lend credibility to the claim, as they provide informed perspectives on military protocols and the implications of federal overreach.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump's control of National Guard troops in Los Angeles is unprecedented since 1965 is True. The evidence indicates that this deployment is a significant deviation from historical norms regarding the use of National Guard troops, as it bypasses the traditional requirement for state governor consent. The legal rulings and expert opinions corroborate the assertion that this action represents a notable shift in the balance of power between federal and state authorities.

Fact Check: Trump's control of National Guard troops in LA is unprecedented since 1965.