US President Donald Trump started his second term with unbridled dominance. His triumph was historic, ratings were high, and the Democratic Party was in disarray. His agenda was passed by Congress with no opposition, and the Supreme Court tilted the way he wanted it to. Protests in LA against the Trump immigration clampdown have erupted into a national revolt.
Courts are thwarting his excesses, the economy is reeling, and his popularity ratings have plummeted. Trump’s deployment of the military on American soil—particularly the contentious deployment of Marines in LA—has fueled popular fury and evoked bitter legal resistance.
Marines in LA: Red Line or Power Grab?
Trump deployed close to 5,000 troops, including Marines and National Guard, to Los Angeles. Initially, they protected federal buildings but now assist in ICE operations and aiding in arrests. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the action as a “red line” and cautioned that it crosses legal and constitutional limits.
More Americans are against this deployment than for it. A YouGov poll indicates that 47% of Americans disapprove of Trump, while a mere 34% support it. Newsom had criticized the Defense Secretary for not stopping the Marines’ usage, which he described as an abuse of power to earn political points ahead of Trump’s upcoming birthday parade.
Protests Surge, Poll Numbers Fall
The military deployment has not pacified the unrest. Rather, the protests have been extended from LA to 22 other cities, such as New York, Dallas, Boston, and Atlanta. NBC News documented 25 anti-Trump demonstrations this week alone. They are the first wide-scale protests of Trump’s second term, ending months of silence.
In the meantime, Trump’s approval is declining. His policies, 52% of Americans now disapprove of them, according to the same YouGov poll. His promise to put an end to the war in Ukraine within 24 hours has not panned out. Gaza still harks unresolved.
Birthday Parade, Recession Fears, and Rule of Law
Even amid the unrest, Trump is marching forward with a huge military parade on his birthday—Saturday. Though officially to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army, it is claimed to be a personal celebration befitting authoritarian dictators.
Better, Trump’s policies have instigated recession anxiety and unsuccessful trade maneuvers. His China trade war failed. His executive abuse has been time and again overruled by courts.
Legal Risks and Authoritarian Fears
Newsom has already submitted a court challenge. Trump might, however, ignore the courts once more, as he did in previous immigration crackdowns. He hasn’t invoked the Insurrection Act, but the military deployment already tests the boundaries of legal power.
Critics worry that this is part of a bigger trend. Trump has consistently refused to accept election outcomes and court decisions. From inciting the 2020 Capitol insurrection to now deploying Marines in the homeland, critics argue that Trump is disassembling the rule of law.
The LA protests could be only the start. And as Trump doubles down, America’s democratic brakes are put through one of their most severe challenges.
