WASHINGTON, June 9,（WSH) — In response to President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid escalating immigration-related protests, 22 Democratic governors have issued a joint statement condemning the move as a “dangerous abuse of power” and a serious breach of federal-state relations.
The joint statement, released late on June 8, strongly criticizes the Trump administration for bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom and deploying troops without a formal request from the state. “Governors are the rightful commanders-in-chief of their own National Guard units,” the statement read. “The federal government’s unilateral military activation within a state’s jurisdiction, absent consultation or consent, is both reckless and unconstitutional.”
California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis announced that the state may file a lawsuit as early as June 9 to challenge the legality of the deployment. Governor Newsom has formally requested that Defense Secretary Hegseth revoke the deployment order and restore control of the California National Guard to the state government.
According to CNN, 300 National Guard troops have already entered the Los Angeles area, while another 500 active-duty Marines remain on standby for potential federal intervention. Military analysts say this marks a significant escalation in federal response and a clear deviation from precedent.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a public statement, condemning the deployment as a “deliberate provocation” and labeling it part of Trump’s “cruel, fear-driven political agenda.”
Meanwhile, Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, defended Trump’s decision, accusing California leadership of “failing to maintain public order.”
Observers warn that the episode is intensifying the already deep partisan divide in the United States, with federal-state conflicts and constitutional challenges likely to continue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The White House has not responded to the governors’ statement at the time of this report.
