The recent deployment of troops to Los Angeles by the Pentagon to manage protests against the Trump administration's immigration policy highlights escalating tensions. While President Trump labeled demonstrators as insurrectionists, California's governor, Gavin Newsom, argues this military action is unconstitutional. This reflects a pattern of perceived authoritarianism by the Trump administration, which has seen the targeting of citizens and dissent through intimidation and actual armed force. The recent events suggest a greater willingness to utilize government power against domestic protests.
On Monday, the Pentagon sent 700 active-duty marines to Los Angeles and doubled the number of national guard troops deployed there to 4,000 to quell protests.
California governor Gavin Newsom sued the Trump administration, arguing that it is unconstitutional to use the armed forces inside the US, except in extreme situations.
The Trump administration has enacted soft authoritarianism, including intimidation of democratic institutions and real violence against selective populations.
A second phase has begun unfolding: the literal weaponization of the government to contain dissent, impacting how citizens engage with their democracy.
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