Protests in Los Angeles are continuing to intensify, with President Trump bypassing state governor authority to deploy the National Guard and Marine Corps directly in the city center, attracting sharp criticism from Democrats, who argue that this decision incites tensions and escalates the situation.

The National Guard, also known as the Militia, is one of America’s oldest military organizations, dating back to 1636, originally formed for defense against Native Americans and European armies, and has evolved into organized and professional military units within the states. Its primary mission is to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or warfare, and to support U.S. military operations abroad.

Although the National Guard is managed by the states, both the President and governors have the authority to mobilize them, usually under the command of the governors. This controversy over mobilization has further ignited the debate over state versus federal power.