Fact Check: "Trump's troop deployment is the first without governor's permission since 1965."
What We Know
The claim that President Donald Trump's troop deployment is the first without a governor's permission since 1965 is supported by multiple credible sources. According to NPR, Trump's order to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles was indeed the first instance since 1965 where a president called upon National Guard troops to respond to civil unrest without an official request from the state's governor. This aligns with the historical context provided by The New York Times, which notes that the last similar event occurred during the civil rights movement when President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the National Guard in Alabama without Governor George Wallace's consent.
Additionally, Reuters corroborates this information, stating that the last time a president deployed the National Guard in a state without the governor's request was also in 1965. This historical precedent highlights the unusual nature of Trump's actions, as such deployments typically involve cooperation between federal and state authorities.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, coming from reputable news organizations that have reported on the legal and historical implications of Trump's troop deployment. The sources cited are credible and have a history of accurate reporting on governmental and legal matters. For instance, NPR and Reuters are known for their thorough journalistic standards and fact-checking processes.
The analysis of Trump's deployment indicates that it has sparked significant legal and political controversy. Experts, such as Elizabeth Goitein from the Brennan Center, have described Trump's actions as unprecedented and potentially an abuse of presidential power (NPR). Furthermore, California Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has announced plans to sue the Trump administration, arguing that the deployment violates constitutional norms and exceeds presidential authority (NPR).
The legal framework surrounding such deployments is complex, involving the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act, which govern the use of federal troops in domestic situations. Trump's reliance on a lesser-known statute to justify his actions has raised questions about the legality and appropriateness of his decision (NPR, Reuters).
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "Trump's troop deployment is the first without governor's permission since 1965" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that this is indeed the first instance in nearly six decades where a president has deployed National Guard troops in response to civil unrest without the consent of the state's governor. The historical context and legal implications underscore the significance of this action and its potential ramifications for federal-state relations.
