Hundreds of anti-Trump protests are set to take place across the U.S. today under the ‘No Kings’ banner, with Missouri’s governor already activating the National Guard. As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, tensions are rising across the country. Protest organizers under the “No Kings” banner have planned hundreds of demonstrations nationwide, though notably, none are scheduled in Washington, D.C . The White House has warned that any disruptions to today’s parade and festivities will be met with a “very large force.” These comments from the president follow his decision to authorize an increase in ICE raids at workplaces across Los Angeles, which quickly sparked mass protests throughout the city. In response, President Trump overrode the authority of California Governor Gavin Newsom by federalizing the National Guard and deploying Marines to protect federal agents and property. However, state and city officials—including Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell—have stated that the move was unnecessary. They argue that local law enforcement, supported by existing agencies operating in the state, was fully capable of maintaining order. A California court has since ordered the White House to return control of the National Guard to Governor Newsom. President Trump, however, continues to insist that without his intervention, “Los Angeles would be burning.” State officials counter that it was the ICE raids themselves that incited the protests, and that had such aggressive enforcement actions not been taken, the city would not be facing its current unrest .
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