Fact Check: "Trump's National Guard deployment is first without governor's consent since 1965!"
What We Know
The claim that President Donald Trump was the first U.S. president since 1965 to deploy the National Guard without the consent of a state governor is supported by historical precedent. The last instance of such an action occurred in March 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson invoked his authority to deploy the National Guard in Alabama to protect civil rights marchers from violence, bypassing Governor George Wallace, who was opposed to the federal intervention (source-1, source-4).
On June 7, 2025, President Trump ordered the deployment of approximately 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles without the approval of Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the move as an unnecessary provocation (source-2, source-5). This deployment was characterized as a response to protests against federal immigration enforcement actions (source-4).
Analysis
The historical context surrounding the deployment of the National Guard is crucial for understanding the significance of Trump's actions. In nearly all cases, the activation of the National Guard is initiated by the state governor, who has command over the troops. The Council on Foreign Relations notes that presidents typically do not intervene without a governor's request (source-1).
The precedent set by Johnson in 1965 was a rare exception, justified by the need to protect citizens during a critical civil rights moment. Trump's decision to bypass Governor Newsom marks a significant departure from this norm, as it reflects a willingness to override state authority in a politically charged situation (source-4, source-7).
Critics of Trump's deployment argue that it represents an "unmistakable step toward authoritarianism," as it was perceived to be a politically motivated action rather than a necessary response to an emergency (source-4). The legal basis for Trump's action was rooted in Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allows for federalization of National Guard units in specific circumstances, but it does not override the Posse Comitatus Act that generally restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement (source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that "Trump's National Guard deployment is the first without governor's consent since 1965" is True. The historical precedent established by President Johnson in 1965 clearly delineates the rarity of such actions, and Trump's recent deployment in California aligns with this significant political and legal context. The bypassing of the governor's authority in both cases underscores a pivotal moment in the relationship between state and federal powers.
Sources
- 1965 Was the Last Time a President Bypassed a Governor ...
- Does US law allow Trump to send troops to quell protests?
- What happened the last time a U.S. president overrode a state to deploy ...
- Appeals court lets Trump keep control of National Guard ...
- Fact Check: Trump is the first president since 1965 to deploy National ...
