Democratic, GOP Governors Split on Trump’s Troop Deployment/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democratic and Republican governors are taking starkly different stances on Trump’s deployment of military troops to immigration protests. California Governor Gavin Newsom sued to block the action, while Texas and Florida governors voiced support and offered reinforcements. The growing partisan rift highlights broader tensions over federal power, state sovereignty, and immigration enforcement tactics.
Governors Clash Over Trump’s Troop Deployments – Quick Looks
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit, calling troop deployment to protests an “assault on democracy.”
- 22 Democratic governors backed Newsom, denouncing the move as federal overreach and political manipulation.
- Republican governors like Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis support deployment, calling it necessary for law and order.
- Los Angeles protests have remained limited, with roughly 200 detentions and minor police injuries reported.
- Trump has hinted at deploying Marines, further stoking partisan tensions.
- Some Democratic governors, like Whitmer and Hochul, remained silent, while others cautiously criticized Trump.
- Protests are planned in other states, prompting state-level coordination with local police forces.
- Florida and Texas put troops on standby, with DeSantis warning protestors of “severe consequences.”
- Connecticut’s Gov. Ned Lamont rejects federal intervention, saying militarization worsens public safety.
- Trump’s actions are viewed by critics as politically motivated, with polls showing mixed support for his immigration stance.
Deep Look: U.S. Governors Divided Over Trump’s Use of Troops in Immigration Protests
WASHINGTON – June 12, 2025 — The deployment of federal troops to immigration protests in Los Angeles has ignited a political firestorm across the U.S., splitting the nation’s governors along party lines.
California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the action as a “dangerous assault on American democracy” and filed a lawsuit to halt the intervention. Newsom argued that President Donald Trump was using military force for political theater, escalating tensions rather than easing them.
Meanwhile, Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas put the National Guard on alert, signaling his full support for Trump’s approach. Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis went a step further by offering to send the Florida State Guard to California, a move Newsom’s office rebuffed as inflammatory.
Unified Democratic Response – But Not All Loud
A joint statement signed by all 22 Democratic governors, coordinated by the Democratic Governors Association, denounced Trump’s troop deployment and labeled the potential use of Marines as an “alarming abuse of power.” The statement asserted that the president’s actions undermine both public trust and the integrity of the National Guard.
Still, some prominent Democratic governors, including New York’s Kathy Hochul and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, have remained publicly quiet on the matter. Hochul’s office referred reporters to the collective statement, while Whitmer did not respond to requests for comment.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, however, doubled down on support for Newsom, calling federal interference “chaotic” and reiterating the right of local officials to manage civil unrest without intimidation.
Political Calculations at Play
Governors are balancing state-level political optics with national ambitions. Many Democrats, such as Pritzker and Whitmer, are potential 2028 presidential contenders, and their responses are seen as both principled and strategic.
“There probably is some concern about retribution — what the administration could do to a governor who takes a strong stance,” said Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University.
Polls indicate that about 50% of U.S. adults support Trump’s immigration policies, creating a delicate dance for Democratic leaders aiming to appeal to moderates without alienating their base.
Republican Governors Embrace Federal Force
By contrast, Republican governors appear largely unified. DeSantis defended his offer of assistance as a standard crisis response and dismissed concerns over the escalation.
He stated: “The way to put the fire out is to make sure you have law and order.”
Abbott, though quiet on specifics, placed troops on standby in anticipation of protests spreading to Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Local officials in several Texas cities denied requesting National Guard support, but state preparations continue regardless.
In his latest Fox News appearance, DeSantis warned protesters: “Any type of vandalism, looting — just be prepared to have the law come down on you.”
Nationwide Protests Planned
With “No Kings” demonstrations planned this weekend in multiple states, governors across the country are coordinating with public safety officials. In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont said he’s taking a proactive, community-based approach to avoid federal interference.
“I don’t want to give the president any pretext to come into Connecticut and militarize the situation,” Lamont said, calling Trump “a little eager to send federal troops.”
While some protests have turned tense — including the use of chemical irritants in Austin — most remain peaceful and contained. Nearly 200 people were detained in Los Angeles this week, and seven police officers were injured.
Federalism and Force Collide
This latest standoff between state and federal powers mirrors past conflicts during Trump’s first term. However, with the military now in play, constitutional questions about executive overreach and public safety are resurfacing.
Former state attorney general and current Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Trump directly in an interview with The Washington Post, warning that federal intervention risks “injecting chaos into our streets.”
Shapiro, who sued Trump dozens of times during his previous tenure, added: “He’s injected chaos into the world order, the economy — and now our streets.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.