Amid escalating protests over immigration laws, President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles—without the approval of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The move has ignited a political firestorm, especially after a viral video clip from 2020 shows Trump making the exact opposite claim during his first term in office.

Viral Video From 2020 Comes Back to Haunt Trump

The resurfaced video shows Trump telling ABC News during the 2020 unrest, “We cannot send the National Guard unless the Governor requests it. We work within the framework of the law.” At that time, Trump cited constitutional limits when asked why he didn’t send federal forces to Portland.

Fast forward to 2025, and the same Trump—now back in the White House—has unilaterally deployed federal forces to Los Angeles, a move Governor Newsom says is both illegal and unconstitutional.

4 Days of Protest, 4,700 Troops on LA Streets

Protests over Trump’s new immigration policies have rocked Los Angeles for four consecutive days. In response, the President has dispatched 2,000 additional National Guard personnel and 700 Marines, joining the 2,000 troops already stationed in the city. The total deployment now stands at 4,700 troops—a number more typical of foreign conflict zones than U.S. cities.

Newsom Blasts Trump's 'Unconstitutional Overreach'

California Governor Gavin Newsom fired back sharply, calling the federal deployment “illegal and immoral.” Speaking to MSNBC, he said, “This is a direct assault on federalism and democracy. The President cannot treat states like military zones.” He also accused Trump of escalating tensions rather than de-escalating them.

Trump Hits Back: ‘Governor Is a Failure’

Unfazed by the backlash, Trump defended his decision in characteristic fashion, branding Newsom as “a failed governor” and accusing the protesters of “rioting and violence.” Trump declared, “My job is to protect America and make it great again—not to let California burn in chaos.”

A Constitutional Crisis Brewing?

Legal experts warn that Trump’s move could trigger a constitutional showdown. Deploying military forces within a state without consent is legally murky territory unless the Insurrection Act is invoked—which Trump has not formally done.

Conclusion: A Battle Over Power, Law, and Public Opinion

With viral clips exposing contradictions in Trump's own words, tensions soaring on the ground, and legal scholars warning of executive overreach, the battle between state and federal authority has once again taken center stage in America’s political theatre. And this time, the whole world is watching.