On March 7, 1965, peaceful civil rights marchers attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, heading to Montgomery. Alabama state troopers brutally attacked them in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.”
In response, President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard on March 20, against Governor George Wallace’s wishes, and sent 1,800 federal troops to protect the marchers during a successful third attempt.
That was the last time the federal government nationalized the National Guard over a governor’s objections.
Until now.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Let’s be very clear: This isn’t about “law and order.” This is about power.
Donald Trump has been signaling his intent to use military force against American citizens since the day he clinched the Republican nomination. Now he’s doing it. And he’s normalizing it.
California won’t be the exception. He will do this again. And again. And again, until it feels normal.
Here’s what’s going on:
Trump is furious that he can’t deport enough people fast enough.
Stephen Miller orders ICE to escalate raids.
Masked agents terrorize communities, detaining long-time residents and tearing families apart.
Some are deported with no hearing. Others are sent to foreign prisons—indefinitely, without due process.
In response, Americans protest peacefully. As is their right under the Constitution.
Trump calls in the military. Violence escalates. All because of him.
It’s all so avoidable. It’s all so unnecessary. It’s all so un-American.
Some say this is just a distraction from the disastrous Republican budget or the Trump/Musk fallout.
I think it’s bigger than that.
This is Trump’s worldview.
He doesn’t believe in due process.
He doesn’t believe in dissent.
He doesn’t believe in democracy.
He believes in himself and using the government as a weapon.
That’s why January 6 rioters get pardons. And peaceful protestors get soldiers. Trump sees the military not as a protector of the people, but as an extension of his will.
In 1965, President Johnson used the National Guard to protect citizens and uphold the Constitution. If Trump had been President, the National Guard would have been standing on the bridge with the state troopers.
Thanks for a clear and concise explanation. Right on point
At various points in history weak, unhinged people gain control and wreak havoc and destruction. Protest peacefully on Saturday. There is strength in numbers.