Dear Californians, 

This month, in a dangerous and deeply troubling escalation, President Donald Trump attempted to seize control of the California National Guard. Ignoring the lack of need for federal intervention, and without consulting state or local leaders, Trump federalized 4,000 National Guard soldiers and deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles. 

This unnecessary and unprecedented move has provoked outrage across California and the nation. It not only threatens the constitutional balance of state and federal authority, but it also unleashes the U.S. military on our own communities, all while taxpayers foot the $134 million estimated price tag. 

California has not stood idly by. From day one, we’ve fought back through advocacy, legal action, and peaceful protest. As legal hearings proceed and additional rulings are in deliberation, I want to be clear: this fight is not over. 

ICE continues to terrorize our communities with militarized raids. Families remain afraid. This sets a dangerous precedent, not just for California, but for families across the nation. That’s why we must keep going. As this authoritarian overreach continues, so does our commitment to standing up for California’s people, our values, and our democracy.  

Timeline of Governor Newsom’s Actions to Protect Californians Amid Trump’s Militarization of Los Angeles 

 

  • June 6, 2025: ICE launches unannounced military-style operations in Los Angeles, detaining children and sparking panic. 
  • June 6–7, 2025: Protests begin; local law enforcement, not notified of raids, quickly respond to maintain peace. 
  • June 7, 2025: Governor Newsom deploys California Highway Patrol and activates local law enforcement mutual aid before any federal intervention. 
  • June 7, 2025: Trump announces he will federalize California’s National Guard and deploy thousands of soldiers into Los Angeles. 
  • June 8, 2025: Governor Newsom formally requests the rescission of Trump’s federalization order and demands return of state control. 
  • June 9, 2025: Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta file a lawsuit challenging the federal takeover of California’s National Guard. 
  • June 10, 2025: Emergency motion filed for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Trump’s unlawful order. 
  • June 12, 2025: Federal judge sides with California, ordering return of 4,000 federalized National Guard troops to Governor Newsom’s command. 
  • June 17, 2025: A 3-judge appellate panel heard arguments on whether to allow the lower court’s ruling to take effect.  
  • June 19, 2025: The 9th Circuit  rules in favor of Trump, allowing federalization to remain in place pending further litigation. 
  • June 20, 2025 and beyond: California’s legal challenge to the Trump administration’s military deployment continues in federal court.  

 

Since Trump’s federalization of the National Guard, I’ve spoken to a wide range of media to shine a light on what’s happening and affirm that California will not be intimidated:  

As Americans across the country came together in peaceful protest for the No Kings Rally last weekend, I was so proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands in California and millions across the country to say it loud and clear: NO KINGS ALLOWED HERE. I spoke out against Trump’s authoritarian overreach in Los Angeles and called on Californians to stay united in defense of democracy and human rights. 

Watch my remarks here:

 

This moment calls for courage. And I know that California will meet it with unity, compassion, and resolve. 

With strength and solidarity, 

 

Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California