In a bold statement on Tuesday, President Donald Trump warned California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass that National Guard and U.S. military deployments in California could continue throughout his term unless they address the growing disorder and political violence in the state, especially in Los Angeles.
The announcement comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, and Trump is determined to ensure the safety and security of the event amid increasing tensions and unrest in the city.
The president’s comments were a direct response to the chaos that has gripped parts of California, including the widespread rioting and politically-motivated attacks on federal agents that occurred in June.
The disturbances, particularly in Los Angeles and Orange County, prompted Trump to take decisive action, deploying thousands of National Guard troops and even U.S. Marines to help protect federal property and personnel from harm.
This military presence has remained in place for several weeks, with military personnel also assisting in deportation operations in Southern California.
Trump’s statements and his decision to form a task force to oversee the 2028 Olympics reflect his ongoing commitment to securing the event and his frustration with the leadership in California.
The proposed continued deployment of military forces is just one piece of his broader plan to ensure that the games are not disrupted by the growing political violence and disorder in the state.
On Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order that officially created a task force responsible for overseeing the planning and security of the 2028 Olympic Games.
The task force, which will be chaired by Trump himself, aims to coordinate efforts across various arms of the federal government to streamline preparations for the Games.
Among the task force’s duties are ensuring the safety and security of the event, addressing transportation concerns, and working to improve visa processing for foreign athletes, coaches, officials, and media personnel.
The Olympics are expected to attract millions of spectators from around the world, and the task force will be responsible for ensuring that the event proceeds without interference from political violence or disruptions in the city.
With the growing tensions surrounding immigration, police brutality, and political activism in California, Trump’s efforts to establish a coordinated response are designed to prevent the type of civil unrest that has marred the city in recent years.
Vice President J.D. Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr were among the key officials present at the signing ceremony for the Olympics task force.
Former Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin and Paralympic swimmer Brad Snyder also attended the event, underscoring the importance of securing the Games for the athletes and spectators who will be affected.
At the signing, Casey Wasserman, the chairperson of the 2028 Los Angeles organizing committee, praised Trump’s efforts to ensure the security of the Games. "In just 1,074 days – yes, we’re counting, sir – the eyes of the world will be on this country,” Wasserman said. “These will be truly America’s Games.”
The U.S. military’s involvement in California has already been a point of contention for local authorities, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where political violence has been on the rise.
Trump’s previous actions to deploy National Guard troops to defend federal property were met with resistance from local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, who has been outspoken in her opposition to federal immigration enforcement and the Trump administration’s policies.
When Trump ordered the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and other areas affected by unrest, Mayor Bass was quick to condemn the move, calling it an overreach of federal power.
She has long criticized Trump’s policies on immigration and law enforcement, particularly his use of the National Guard in California to enforce federal immigration laws. Bass argued that the city’s law enforcement should be handling local issues, not federal troops.
Despite these protests, Trump has made it clear that he believes the situation in California requires federal intervention. He has pointed to the inability of local officials, like Bass, to control the violence and unrest in their cities as justification for continuing the military presence.
Trump also emphasized his commitment to using the National Guard and U.S. military to ensure the safety and security of the 2028 Olympics, regardless of opposition from local political leaders.
During the task force signing ceremony, Trump took direct aim at Bass, calling her “not very competent” in her response to the unrest in the city. He pointed out that while he visited California after the devastating fires that ravaged the region last year, Bass and other local leaders had failed to provide assistance to the residents who were waiting for permits to rebuild their homes.
"I was there right after the fires, and I saw all these beautiful people standing by their homes, ready to get in and get to work. And they’re waiting for their permits, and they’re still waiting for their state permits and city permits," Trump said. "It’s a disgrace."
The debate over the role of the U.S. military in California goes beyond local political disagreements. For Trump, the deployment of military forces in the state is about national security and ensuring the integrity of the 2028 Olympics.
The games will be a global spectacle, with millions of people traveling to Los Angeles, and Trump is determined to prevent any disruptions caused by political violence or civil unrest.
The Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement has contributed to the tensions in California, as federal agents have been involved in deportation operations and efforts to curb illegal immigration.
In addition to the National Guard troops, U.S. Marines have also been deployed to assist in various operations, including the protection of federal property and personnel from attacks by violent activists.
While some argue that the use of military forces in California represents an overstep of federal authority, others contend that the federal government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and property from violence.
Trump’s supporters argue that the military presence is necessary to restore order in a state that has struggled with lawlessness and political violence in recent years.
As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics continues, the eyes of the world will be on Los Angeles, and by extension, the United States. The Olympics are a global event that will attract athletes, officials, and spectators from all over the world, and the security of the games is a top priority for both local and federal authorities.
With concerns about political violence, gang activity, and rising tensions in California, Trump’s focus on securing the Games is a necessary step in ensuring that the event is successful and free from disruption.
Trump’s creation of the Olympics task force reflects his commitment to ensuring that the 2028 Games are safe and secure. By coordinating efforts between federal agencies, local law enforcement, and other stakeholders, the task force aims to address potential threats and prepare for the logistics of hosting a major international event. This includes everything from ensuring the safety of athletes and spectators to managing traffic and transportation in the city.
Trump’s decision to threaten continued military deployments in California underscores the growing divide between federal and state governments, particularly in sanctuary states like California.
While Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass have resisted many of Trump’s immigration policies, the president has made it clear that he will not back down in his efforts to restore order and protect U.S. interests.
The tension between federal and local authorities is likely to intensify as the 2028 Olympics approach, especially if unrest continues in the state.
Trump’s willingness to use military forces to secure the Games represents a firm stance on law and order, and it highlights the ongoing conflict over the role of the federal government in addressing issues like illegal immigration, public safety, and political violence.
As President Trump’s comments and executive order make clear, he views the upcoming 2028 Olympics as a critical event that must be protected from the ongoing chaos in California.
His commitment to using the National Guard and U.S. military to maintain order in Los Angeles reflects his broader approach to immigration enforcement and national security.
While his actions have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from local leaders, Trump remains steadfast in his belief that the federal government must step in to address the challenges posed by political violence and lawlessness in California.
As the 2028 Olympics draw closer, the debate over the role of the military in California is likely to intensify. The eyes of the world will be on Los Angeles, and the question of whether the city can provide a safe and secure environment for the Games remains unanswered.
In the meantime, President Trump’s actions and statements make it clear that he is willing to use whatever means necessary to ensure that the Games go off without a hitch, even if it means continuing the deployment of military forces in the state for the foreseeable future.
