Trump Signals Possible Invocation of Insurrection Act, Hints at Military Deployment in Strong Response to LA Protests

"Insurrection Occurred in LA...
Without Intervention, LA Would Be Burning"

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on June 10 (local time) that he would invoke the Insurrection Act if necessary in response to protests against immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles (LA). This move is interpreted as an effort to strengthen his leadership by taking a hardline stance against illegal immigration, emphasizing law and order, and consolidating his conservative support base.

AP Yonhap News

President Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office at the White House that day, said, "If the Insurrection Act is needed, I will certainly invoke it," and added, "Let's see what happens."

The Insurrection Act is a law that allows the president to deploy federal troops in response to domestic riots, insurrections, or situations of anarchy. Although it was enacted in 1807, it has rarely been invoked in practice. President Trump made it clear that he would not hesitate to deploy federal troops if the protests in LA escalated further.

He said, "Look at what is happening," and claimed, "Last night, in certain areas of LA, events occurred that could be called an insurrection."

He also repeatedly emphasized the legitimacy of measures that have sparked controversy over their legality, such as the deployment of the National Guard.

President Trump said, "If we had not intervened, LA would be burning right now," and added, "But we are currently maintaining a very good situation."

Previously, following clashes between protesters and the LA police on June 7, President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops. On June 9, he additionally deployed 700 Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops.

In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming that President Trump's deployment of the National Guard was illegal. On the same day, he also filed an emergency injunction with the court against President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, seeking to halt the deployment of Marines and the National Guard.

Additionally, President Trump warned that if protesters appear at the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary military parade, scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C.?which is both his birthday and Flag Day?he would respond with "strong military force."