Trump Claims Responsibility for Calming LA Protests Following Accusations

Trump Claims Responsibility for Calming LA Protests Following Accusations from Newsom of Inciting Demonstrations


In a Truth Social post, President Trump took credit for the relative calm in Los Angeles during the past two nights, claiming that without the military's presence, the city would have become a "crime scene." He praised the National Guard, adding that the "little help from the Marines" had been instrumental in restoring order, despite the fact that Marines had not been deployed to the area as of Thursday morning. The Defense Department had previously stated that 700 Marines were ready to be deployed within 48 hours if necessary.

Trump's comments come as a direct rebuttal to accusations from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who said the presence of federal troops had actually inflamed the situation and that the state had to use its own law enforcement to protect the National Guard. Newsom accused Trump of lying about their phone conversations regarding the protests and the potential National Guard deployment.

The protests in Los Angeles began in response to federal immigration raids and have seen varying levels of intensity, with Mayor Karen Bass implementing a curfew that seems to have contributed to the decline in activity.
A federal court hearing is scheduled for Thursday to determine the legality of Trump's troop deployment, which Newsom's administration is challenging. Newsom's leadership during the protests is being closely watched as it could impact his political future, including his potential candidacy for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.