Trump Threatens More Military Deployments: “This Is Just the Beginning”

The U.S. President Donald Trump leaves little doubt about where his administration stands regarding protests against immigration policies.

During a press briefing at the White House on Tuesday, he warned that the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines in Los Angeles might just be the start.

“This is the first, maybe of many,” Trump said, emphasizing that similar deployments could be on the way if the protests spread. “They will be met with equal or greater force,” he added according to ABC News.

Circumventing the Governor

The decision to send the military to Los Angeles was made despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Demonstrations against ICE’s raids have been ongoing for several days, and although clashes have been limited and centered in a small area in downtown LA, Trump describes the situation as a kind of insurrection.

“There were areas of Los Angeles last night where you could call it a rebellion,” he said, hinting at the possibility of activating the Insurrection Act, which gives the President the right to use the military to quell violence or rebellion on American soil.

Criticism and Support

Trump insists that the purpose of the military presence is to protect ICE employees and ensure that deportations can proceed without interference.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated this line during a congressional hearing, saying: “ICE agents must be able to perform their duties safely in any state.”

However, the messages from the President and the Pentagon have sparked anger among California’s leadership and 22 Democratic governors. Senator Chuck Schumer called the decision “provocative” and “dangerous”:

“It threatens the foundation of our democracy,” he stated.

On the other hand, the Republican majority in Congress expressed support.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said: “It seems clear that local officials were unable to manage the situation.”

Symbolic Politics or Real Threat?

Although Trump described Los Angeles as being “under siege,” ABC News reported that the military’s role has so far been modest.

The National Guard was observed outside federal buildings, while it was primarily the LAPD and local authorities handling the street clearing.

Trump accused the protesters of being “paid insurgents” and blamed them for setting fire to the streets – without providing evidence.

Many observers therefore see the military effort as part of a broader political strategy, where the President seeks to demonstrate decisiveness and appeal to his core voters.

Whether this is a tactical move or the beginning of a new era of military presence in American cities remains uncertain.

But with Trump’s warning in mind, there is no doubt that the American political climate is in a particularly heated phase – and that the “baptism by fire” in Los Angeles may have successors.

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