Defense Secretary Admits Uncertainty Over Legal Basis for Troop Deployment to Los Angeles

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress that he could not specify the legal authority President Donald Trump used to deploy 700 active-duty Marines and thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests against deportation raids. When questioned about the constitutional or statutory basis, Hegseth referenced Section 12406 of Title 10 related to the National Guard but failed to identify the precise legal provision for active-duty troop deployment, instead asserting there was "plenty of precedent." He also ambiguously cited all three conditions under which federal troops can be deployed domestically—foreign invasion, rebellion, or inability to enforce laws—without confirming which applied. Despite concerns raised about the lack of consultation with California's governor and logistical issues like inadequate provisions for troops, Hegseth maintained that the commanders were prepared and that the president had the necessary authority. California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit challenging the deployment. The situation has sparked controversy over the legality and appropriateness of using military forces against U.S. citizens in a domestic law enforcement role.