Americans Divided Over Trump's Deployment of National Guard and Marines to L.A. Protests

A recent survey conducted by The Washington Post and George Mason University's Schar School reveals that Americans are divided over President Donald Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests. The survey, which included over 1,000 respondents, including more than 200 California residents, found that opinions vary significantly based on political affiliation and geographic location. While a majority of Republicans (almost 90%) support the deployment, most Democrats and independents oppose it, with independents leaning against the action by a 15-percentage-point margin (48% to 33%). Californians, in particular, are more critical of Trump's decision, reflecting broader disapproval of his handling of immigration issues, which was once considered a strength of his presidency.

The survey also highlights that Americans are almost evenly split in their views on the protests themselves, with about 40% supporting the demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement efforts, 40% opposing them, and the remainder unsure. The more closely individuals follow the protests, the more likely they are to oppose Trump's deployment of military forces, a trend driven by Democrats and independents who are paying closer attention to the situation.

Critics of the deployment argue that it represents authoritarian overreach, with one respondent stating, 'Deploying the military to crush political protest is classic authoritarian fascism, and must be opposed.' Others express concern that the move escalates tensions in an already volatile situation, noting that neither the city nor the state requested such support. Supporters of the protests emphasize the contributions of immigrants to the community, with one respondent saying, 'Los Angeles is a county of immigrants who do a lot for our community—they are our friends.' However, some condemn the violence associated with the protests, asserting that 'arson and violence is not acceptable.'

The findings underscore the deep political and ideological divides in the U.S. over immigration and the appropriate response to civil unrest. The protests in Los Angeles have become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over immigration policy and the role of federal intervention in local affairs.