June 12, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again in the headlines—this time for taking credit for what he describes as the restoration of peace and order in Los Angeles, following two nights of relative calm after several days of protests and clashes with law enforcement in the downtown area.
In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump attributed the recent stability to the National Guard and, in his words, “a little help from the Marines,” despite official reports confirming that the Marines have not yet begun operations in Los Angeles.
“The great National Guard, with a little help from the Marines, put the L.A. Police in a position to effectively do their job,” Trump wrote. “They all worked well together, but without the Military, Los Angeles would be a crime scene like we haven’t seen in years.”
Trump Lashes Out at Governor Newsom
The former president didn’t stop at celebrating what he sees as a military-led success. He also took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he mockingly referred to as “Gaven NewScum,” accusing the governor of losing control of the situation.
“Governor Gaven NewScum had totally lost control of the situation,” Trump continued in his post. “He should be saying THANK YOU for saving his a–, instead of trying to justify his mistakes and incompetence!!!”
The remarks appear to be in response to statements from Newsom’s office and local leaders defending their handling of the protests and expressing concern about federal involvement in local law enforcement matters.
The Context: Protests, Curfews, and Tensions
Trump’s comments come in the wake of six days of protests in downtown Los Angeles, primarily sparked by opposition to recent federal immigration operations. Demonstrations intensified earlier this week, prompting LA Mayor Karen Bass to issue overnight curfews in parts of the city.
Clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators led to multiple arrests and injuries. On June 11, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were seen deploying nonlethal weapons against protesters, including one incident captured in a widely circulated photo of deputies responding to a man who had thrown a can at them.
Despite the escalation earlier in the week, the past two nights have seen relative quiet—though it’s unclear whether that shift can be directly attributed to federal coordination or a natural ebb in protest momentum.
Discrepancy Over Military Involvement
Notably, while Trump praised the Marines for assisting in LA, Pentagon sources and local officials have clarified that no Marine units have yet been deployed in the city. The National Guard has provided support under state authorization, but there has been no official confirmation of federal troops operating on the ground in Los Angeles.
This distinction is important given the ongoing debate around the federal government’s role in handling domestic unrest—particularly after controversial deployments during Trump’s first term in response to protests in Portland, Washington D.C., and elsewhere.
Political Reactions and Public Scrutiny
Trump’s post has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praised his “decisive” language and tough-on-crime stance, while critics accused him of politicizing public safety and spreading misinformation about the actual role of federal forces.
California leaders have yet to issue an official response to Trump’s claims, but the tone of the debate underscores the continuing tensions between state and federal approaches to protest management, law enforcement accountability, and immigration policy.
What Comes Next?
While calm may have returned temporarily to parts of downtown Los Angeles, the underlying issues driving the protests—including federal immigration crackdowns and calls for police reform—remain unresolved.
As always, Trump’s remarks are likely to further polarize public opinion, energizing his base while frustrating state officials and civil rights groups who argue that his interventions often escalate, rather than de-escalate, tense situations.
For now, Los Angeles watches and waits—its residents caught in the crossfire of political narratives and on-the-ground realities.
