Former Vice President Kamala Harris launched a scathing attack on President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, describing the move as part of a calculated strategy to spread fear and division across the nation.
On June 8, 2025, Harris posted on X that she was appalled by the scenes unfolding in the city. “This Administration’s actions are not about public safety — they’re about stoking fear,” she wrote in her statement addressing the situation.
Harris characterized Trump’s action as a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos, connecting it to recent ICE raids in Southern California and across the nation. She argued that the administration’s approach represents a cruel and calculated agenda designed to spread panic and division rather than ensure genuine public safety.
The deployment came after Trump signed a memorandum to activate the National Guard in Los Angeles, bypassing Governor Gavin Newsom’s opposition to the move. Trump cited a need to address what he termed lawlessness that had been allowed to fester during protests sparked by immigration enforcement actions in the area.
This marked the first time since 1965 that a president had activated the National Guard in a state while bypassing the governor’s authority. Newsom stressed that the city had no problems until Trump became involved and called on the President to rescind his order.
Former second gentleman Doug Emhoff echoed his wife’s criticism, noting that residents of Los Angeles have the right to make their voices heard. He emphasized that standing up for others through peaceful protest constitutes an exercise of democracy rather than a threat to public order.
Governor Newsom described Trump’s decision to deploy the Guard as illegal during an MSNBC interview and filed a lawsuit against the President, which has since been shut down by an appeals court.
Harris and Emhoff relocated to the Brentwood area of Los Angeles following her defeat to Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The former California attorney general is reportedly considering a gubernatorial run for 2026, as Newsom will be term-limited after serving eight years in office.
Harris is expected to make her decision about the potential gubernatorial campaign by the end of the summer. Her response to the Los Angeles situation reflects her continued political engagement as she weighs her future in California politics.
The controversy over the National Guard deployment represents the latest clash between Harris and Trump since the 2024 election. Harris has maintained an active public profile, regularly commenting on Trump administration policies and actions through social media statements and public appearances.
The immigration protests that prompted Trump’s response have highlighted ongoing tensions over federal enforcement policies in sanctuary jurisdictions. Los Angeles has historically maintained policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, creating friction with the current administration’s enforcement priorities.
Trump’s use of presidential authority to override state leadership in deploying the National Guard has raised constitutional questions about the balance of federal and state power. Legal experts have debated whether the president has the authority to activate National Guard units against a governor’s wishes outside of extreme circumstances.
Harris’ statement emphasized her view that the administration’s actions target communities demanding dignity and due process. She positioned the National Guard deployment as part of a broader pattern of federal overreach designed to intimidate rather than protect public safety.
The former vice president’s criticism reflects her broader opposition to Trump administration immigration policies since returning to private life. She has used her platform to advocate for what she describes as more humane approaches to immigration enforcement and community relations.