Kamala Harris has come out swinging after Donald Trump bypassed California’s governor to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles — a move she slammed as part of a “cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division”.
🚨 Guard deployed, tensions explode
The former Vice President and 2024 Democratic nominee didn’t hold back on social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Harris said she was “appalled” by the scenes playing out in LA.
“Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos,” she wrote. “It is part of the Trump administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
She linked the decision to recent aggressive ICE raids across Southern California, suggesting it had little to do with public safety and everything to do with fearmongering.
🗣️ ‘This is about fear, not safety’
Harris accused the Trump administration of targeting communities seeking “dignity and due process”, not lawlessness. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, echoed the sentiment, writing:
“Let’s be clear: STANDING UP for others in the form of peaceful protest is not a threat. It’s the exercise of democracy.”
🧨 Trump bypasses governor – and breaks precedent
Trump over the weekend signed a dramatic memorandum activating the National Guard in LA, despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections. It’s the first time a US president has bypassed a governor to do so since 1965.
Trump justified the move by citing “lawlessness” during immigration protests — demonstrations triggered by a wave of raids across the region. But Newsom wasn’t having it.
⚖️ ‘Illegal’, says governor – lawsuit incoming
Newsom insisted the city “didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved”. Speaking to MSNBC, he labelled the order “illegal” and confirmed he plans to take the matter to court. Protests are expected to continue into the week.
🌴 Kamala’s next move?
Following her defeat in 2024, Harris and Emhoff settled in LA’s Brentwood neighbourhood. Now, she’s reportedly eyeing up the California governor’s mansion. With Gavin Newsom term-limited after eight years, all eyes are on Harris as she weighs a potential 2026 run. A decision is expected by the end of summer.
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