Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's testimony before Congress revealed uncertainty over the legal basis for deploying troops to quell Los Angeles protests against deportation raids. While Hegseth confirmed President Trump's authority to do so, he couldn't specify which legal provision—invasion, rebellion, or inability to execute federal law—justified the military's domestic deployment. This action sparked questions about the use of US troops for civilian law enforcement and the lack of a state governor's request, as mandated by federal law
Rep. Aguilar Questions Trump's Authority: Military Deployment to LA Sparks Controversy. California Congressman challenges Defense Secretary Hegseth on the legal basis for deploying troops to quell Los Angeles protests, questioning the use of military personnel for civilian law enforcement. The debate centers on the Posse Comitatus Act and the lack of a state governor's request for federal troops
Hegseth's Testimony: Unclear Legal Basis for Domestic Troop Deployment. Rep. Aguilar pressed Hegseth on President Trump's legal justification for deploying troops to quell Los Angeles protests, questioning which of the three federal law provisions (invasion, rebellion, or inability to execute laws) Trump cited. Hegseth's response was evasive, citing a lack of knowledge despite the law's clear stipulations
Federal law allows a president to federalize National Guard units under three specific circumstances: foreign invasion, rebellion or imminent rebellion, or the president's inability to enforce federal laws. This authority is crucial in understanding the legal basis for deploying troops domestically
Hegseth, former Fox News host and current Pentagon chief, claimed uncertainty regarding the legal basis for deploying troops to quell Los Angeles protests, despite President Trump's authorization. He suggested all three legal justifications—invasion, rebellion, or inability to enforce laws—applied, citing an unsubstantiated claim of millions of undocumented immigrants committing various offenses. He further asserted President Trump possesses the necessary authority, regardless of California's governor not requesting federal troops
Hegseth's claim of 21 million illegal migrant entries during Biden's presidency lacks verifiable evidence, raising concerns about the accuracy of his statements. This undocumented figure fueled his justification for military deployment, a point questioned during Congressional testimony
Hegseth Defends Trump's LA Troop Deployment: "He Has the Authority" Despite California's Governor not requesting federal troops, Hegseth asserted President Trump possesses the legal authority to deploy them to Los Angeles, citing potential threats to citizens, law enforcement, and national security. He dismissed Rep. Aguilar's legal concerns, suggesting the situation warranted presidential intervention under existing federal law
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has sued Trump and Hegseth for deploying some 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles illegally.
A Pentagon finance officer at the hearing told House members that the deployment would cost $134 million, which is coming from defense operations and maintenance accounts.
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