Pentagon: Los Angeles Troop Deployment to Cost $134M/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Pentagon revealed that deploying Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles will cost $134 million. Lawmakers harshly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the expense, lack of transparency, and political motivations behind the move. Debate continues over Trump’s domestic military strategy amid broader defense budget controversies.
LA Deployment and Pentagon Controversies Quick Looks
- $134 million: Cost to deploy troops to Los Angeles for 60 days.
- Deployment includes: 700 Marines, 4,100 National Guard troops.
- Hegseth says troops needed to protect federal agents during immigration raid protests.
- Lawmakers blast Hegseth for dodging questions and budget secrecy.
- Pentagon plans to cut Ukraine aid in upcoming budget, citing “global priorities.”
- Hegseth continues to push Trump-era cultural agenda: “DEI is dead.”
- Democrats accuse Trump of provoking unrest for political optics.
- Hegseth skipped key topics in opening remarks: no mention of troop cost, firings, Signal app use.
- California Democrats say military deployment is “manufactured crisis.”
- Marine Corps confirms troops have not engaged protesters, only securing federal sites.
Deep Look: $134M LA Troop Deployment Draws Fire in Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pentagon acknowledged Tuesday that the deployment of thousands of troops to Los Angeles amid growing protests over immigration raids will cost at least $134 million, drawing sharp bipartisan criticism and intensifying scrutiny over the Trump administration’s militarized domestic policy.
Testifying before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the 60-day mission involves 700 active-duty Marines and 4,100 National Guard troops, sent without the consent of California officials. Hegseth said the troops were necessary to protect federal agents and property from “rioters, looters, and thugs.”
Hegseth Sidesteps, Comptroller Confirms Cost
After repeated pressure from lawmakers, Hegseth deferred to acting Pentagon Comptroller Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, who provided the $134 million estimate, covering travel, housing, and food.
The admission did little to ease concerns. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) called the deployment “a deeply unfair position to put our Marines in,” criticizing Hegseth for dodging accountability and politicizing the military.
“Could the Secretary please address the budget?” McCollum asked after Hegseth launched into attacks on previous administrations.
Hegseth refused, prompting the committee chairman to demand a written cost breakdown.
National Guard Role to Expand
“We’re entering another phase… where the Guard becomes a critical component,” Hegseth told the panel.
Although no Insurrection Act invocation has been confirmed, the deployment raises legal questions about troop use on U.S. soil under the Posse Comitatus Act.
No Engagement Yet, Marines Standing By
Gen. Eric Smith, Marine Corps Commandant, said deployed Marines in Los Angeles are trained for crowd control with non-lethal gear like shields and batons. He emphasized they have no arrest powers and have not yet engaged with demonstrators.
“I am not concerned,” Smith said. “I have great faith in my Marines.”
California Democrats: A Manufactured Crisis
California Democrats, including Reps. Jimmy Gomez, Jimmy Panetta, and Nancy Pelosi, held a press conference accusing Trump of deliberately escalating unrest for political spectacle.
“It’s a deliberate attempt to incite unrest, test the limits of executive power and distract from his administration’s lawlessness,” Gomez said.
“We begged him to send the Guard then — he refused. Now he sends them to intimidate Americans.”
“DEI Is Dead”: Culture Wars Take Priority
Hegseth’s opening remarks avoided mention of the $1 trillion defense budget, Signal app use, and controversial staff purges. Instead, he leaned into ideological themes:
“DEI is dead,” he said, reaffirming his agenda to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from the Pentagon.
He also renamed a Navy ship previously honoring Harvey Milk, aligning military assets with what he calls a “warrior ethos.”
Trump Allies Back the Deployment
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the troop move and mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, saying he should be “tarred and feathered” for opposing federal intervention — a remark that drew laughter from GOP leadership.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also backed Trump’s decision, despite legal questions over troop authority:
“There was clearly a security situation that needed to be addressed,” Thune said.
Ukraine Aid to Be Reduced
Hegseth confirmed that future U.S. aid to Ukraine will be reduced, shifting resources toward domestic priorities. The Pentagon has given over $66 billion to Ukraine since the war with Russia began.
“A negotiated peaceful settlement is in our national interest,” Hegseth said, signaling a pivot from previous military support.
Drone Attack in Ukraine Prompts Pentagon Rethink
Lawmakers also questioned Hegseth about Ukraine’s drone strike that destroyed Russian bombers. He admitted the U.S. was “caught off guard” and is now re-evaluating drone defense capabilities at U.S. airfields.
“We are learning every day from Ukraine,” he said, citing the need for better drone defense infrastructure.
World Bank Downgrades Global Outlook Amid Trade Tensions
Adding to economic uncertainty, the World Bank sharply cut forecasts for global and U.S. growth, citing Trump’s escalating trade wars. U.S. GDP growth is now projected at 1.4% for 2025, down from 2.8% the previous year.
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