On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress on President Donald Trump’s controversial order to deploy military forces to Los Angeles to manage ongoing immigrant protests. So far, 2,700 personnel have been deployed, including 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines.
According to Special Assistant Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, the deployment is expected to cost $134 million, primarily covering transportation and accommodation. Hegseth added that the mission will last at least 60 days to ensure rioters and looters "understand the military will not retreat."
California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass strongly opposed the move, citing a lack of coordination and growing public tension. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell criticized the military presence as uncoordinated and worsening the city's logistical challenges.
Newsom noted that many troops remain idle in federal buildings without proper supplies, food, or rest facilities. In response, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell blamed the state for logistical failures, stating soldiers are prepared for austere conditions.
Protests have since spread to cities including New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Austin, raising fears of nationwide unrest. Meanwhile, Trump is set to celebrate his 79th birthday this Saturday with a large military parade in Washington.
