Cost of Trump’s National Guard Deployment in LA Hits $120 Million
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles ordered by President Donald Trump has resulted in a significant financial burden for taxpayers, totaling nearly $120 million. This figure reflects costs associated with the deployment since June 2023, when over 4,200 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines were sent to the city.
According to estimates from the California National Guard, the expenses break down as follows: $71 million for food and basic necessities, $37 million in payroll, $4 million for logistical supplies, $3.5 million in travel, and $1.5 million for demobilization. Although most troops returned home in August, approximately 300 remain stationed in Los Angeles.
Legal Challenges and Political Implications
The deployment has faced legal scrutiny, with a federal judge in San Francisco recently barring soldiers from assisting in immigration arrests. This ruling was viewed as a significant victory for California and other states critical of the Trump administration’s military actions. In response, Newsom has sought a preliminary injunction to prevent the implementation of a new order from the U.S. Secretary of Defense that would extend the deployment of the remaining guardsmembers beyond the upcoming election in November 2023.
“Let us not forget what this political theater is costing us all,” Newsom stated. “Millions of taxpayer dollars down the drain and an atrophy to the readiness of guardsmembers across the nation, along with unnecessary hardships to the families supporting those troops.” He urged other states to evaluate their expenditures related to similar military deployments.
National Guard Presence in Washington D.C.
In the nation’s capital, where Trump has also deployed National Guard troops, city leaders filed a separate lawsuit earlier this week. The legal action highlights that more than 2,200 National Guard troops are present in Washington D.C., where they are often seen in military fatigues near national monuments. Reports indicate that these soldiers have been involved in various non-combat activities, including picking up trash and laying down mulch.
Trump has signaled intentions to increase the use of military forces in other urban areas, indicating a broader strategy that may further impact state resources and public perception.
The financial implications of these deployments raise questions about the allocation of military resources and the prioritization of state budgets during a time of heightened political tension.
