Trump Turns the Military Inward, and America Confronts Its Oldest Fear

October 1, 2025

Donald Trump has deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles against Governor Newsom's wishes, citing a rebellion statute despite no actual rebellion occurring. This action has been widely condemned by California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argue Trump is manufacturing a crisis for political gain. The deployment violates the spirit of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits military forces from enforcing civilian laws.

Who is affected

California residents, particularly those in Los Angeles neighborhoods where National Guard troops have been deployed
Protesters demonstrating against Trump's policies
California state and local authorities whose authority has been undermined
Military personnel being ordered to police American streets against civilian protesters
The 800+ generals and admirals summoned to Marine Corps Base Quantico

What action is being taken

Trump is deploying California National Guard troops to Los Angeles without the governor's consent
Governor Newsom is demanding the Defense Secretary rescind the order and return control to California
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is challenging the legal basis for the deployment
Mayor Bass is maintaining that the situation involves limited vandalism requiring targeted law enforcement, not military intervention
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is removing military officers deemed incompatible with the administration's vision

Why it matters

The deployment potentially violates the Posse Comitatus Act's prohibition of military forces policing American citizens
It represents a direct challenge to state sovereignty and the constitutional balance of power
Unlike historical federal military interventions that aimed to advance civil rights, this deployment appears designed to suppress protests
Trump's rhetoric about using "dangerous cities as training grounds for our military" suggests a fundamental shift in how military power might be used domestically
The administration's characterization of the Pentagon as the "Department of War" signals concerning intentions about military purpose

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint