Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Trump’s decision on Monday to deploy the National Guard in response to protests in Los Angeles against the administration’s deportation strategy.
Schumer contended that Trump’s move to activate the National Guard was a “repurposing” stemming from the ongoing conflict with Elon Musk, paired with a problematic tax cut proposal intended to facilitate Democratic maneuvers in the Senate.
“His decision to send the National Guard to California is unnecessary, inflammatory, and provocative,” Schumer stated. “Trump should immediately retract his orders to utilize the National Guard and allow local authorities to maintain order.”
“Americans do not need nor deserve this needless, provocative turmoil,” he added.
These comments followed the arrival of 300 National Guard soldiers in Los Angeles on Sunday, coinciding with three days of protests in the nation’s second-largest city.
Other Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D), have also condemned Trump’s actions despite Newsom’s objections.
Trump shows no signs of retreat as approximately 500 Marines stand “ready to deploy” to the city.
“The violent and rebellious crowds are attempting to obstruct deportation efforts by overwhelming and attacking our federal agents,” Trump stated on Sunday, assuring relevant Cabinet officials, “we will take all necessary measures to liberate Los Angeles from immigrant invasions and will act decisively to halt these migrant raids.”
Source: thehill.com