The Trump Administration’s calling on the California National Guard without the authorization of the Governor is unprecedented.
This action is designed to inflame tensions, sow chaos, and escalate the situation.
If the Guard is needed to restore peace, the Governor will ask for it. But continuing down this path will erode trust in the National Guard and set a dangerous precedent for unilateral misuse of the Guard across the country.
Violence must stop, and we need to keep the focus on protecting fundamental rights.
There is nothing President Trump would like more than a violent confrontation with protestors to justify the unjustifiable — invocation of the Insurrection Act or some form of martial law.
Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.