On Tuesday (June 10), President Donald Trump delivered a speech honoring military personnel, using the occasion to justify his controversial decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles amid growing tensions over his immigration policy. Critics have condemned the move as an overreach driven by political motives. Generations of Army heroes didn’t sacrifice their lives overseas only to see our nation fall to invasion and lawlessness, Trump told soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He claimed that events in California represented a full-scale attack on peace, public order, and national sovereignty and vowed that his administration would liberate Los Angeles.

Trumps remarks came shortly after he authorized the deployment of 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to ongoing protests. According to the administration, the deployment is intended to protect federal property and personnel. However, California’s Democratic-led government has filed a lawsuit to block the move, calling it a misuse of presidential authority and an unnecessary provocation.

Protests began on Friday following confrontations between demonstrators and local law enforcement. Los Angeles officials have stated that the unrest is mostly contained and that the majority of demonstrators are peacefully advocating for immigrant rights. Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg—home to approximately 50,000 active-duty soldiers—was part of planned celebrations for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. During the event, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth observed military exercises, including a special forces demonstration and a long-range missile launch.

Speaking earlier in the day at the White House, Trump warned that any disruptions during Saturday’s parade in Washington would be met with “very big force.” He did not differentiate between peaceful and violent protesters. Law enforcement agencies have said there are no credible threats to the event. The week’s celebrations highlight both patriotic display and Trump’s political message as a tough-on-crime leader. Saturday’s parade, which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, is expected to feature thousands of service members and military aircraft.

During his Fort Bragg address, Trump mixed military commemoration with partisan talking points, drawing applause for opposing transgender service member policies and criticism of the press. He also announced the reversion of base names that were changed during racial justice movements in 2023—restoring names like Fort Lee and Fort Bragg. Trump’s administration claimed Fort Bragg now honors World War II veteran Private First Class Roland Bragg, rather than Confederate General Braxton Bragg.

Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has prioritized military expansion and domestic use of armed forces, sparing defense spending from his broader government cost-cutting. He’s pledged to avoid foreign wars while enhancing weapons development and deploying troops for internal enforcement, particularly on immigration. He also aims to dramatically increase deportations and has instructed ICE to detain at least 3,000 undocumented migrants daily. In Los Angeles, protesters have gathered outside a detention facility housing immigrants.

While military forces have occasionally been used domestically in emergencies—such as Hurricane Katrina or 911—it’s unusual for them to be involved in civil unrest. Although Trump hasn’t invoked the Insurrection Act, he still holds authority to deploy Marines under specific legal circumstances as commander-in-chief. The last use of military force in a domestic policing role under the Insurrection Act occurred in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots sparked by the Rodney King verdict.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.