California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump on Thursday for deploying thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, calling it costly “political theater” that has now cost taxpayers $120 million.
The deployment began June 7 after Trump’s executive order cited “violent protests” tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Newsom and city officials disputed the characterization, saying local police had the situation under control and that the move escalated tensions unnecessarily.
According to figures from the governor’s office and the California National Guard, the costs include $71 million for food and shelter, $37 million in payroll, and millions more in travel, logistics, and demobilization.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Trump’s deployment violated the law, effectively turning troops into a “national police force.” Newsom hailed the ruling: “No president is a king — not even Trump.” He filed a motion to block the deployment from continuing through Election Day.
Roughly 300 troops remain in L.A. Nearly 90 days into the operation, it has exceeded initial Pentagon estimates of 60 days and $134 million. Trump has also sent troops to Washington, D.C. and signaled similar plans for other cities.
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