National Guard Deployment to LA: Hegseth and McCollum Spar Over Federal Intervention

Los Angeles National Guard Deployment Sparks Heated Debate: Hegseth and McCollum Clash on Federal Intervention Washington, D.C. - The deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles has ignited a heated debate between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Rep. Betty McCollum. Hegseth, appearing before a House committee on June 10, 2025, defended President Trump’s decision, stating, "Governor Walz abandoned a police precinct and allowed it to be burned to the ground." He drew a direct comparison to the unrest in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, arguing that President Trump recognized the potential for a similar situation in Los Angeles. However, Rep. McCollum, also from Minnesota, sharply criticized Hegseth’s comparison. "This is a deeply unfair position to put our Marines in," she stated, emphasizing that the current situation in Los Angeles is unlike the events of 2020. McCollum’s comments highlight concerns about federal overreach and the potential for misusing the National Guard. The exchange underscores the ongoing debate over the appropriate role of federal forces in responding to civil unrest and the importance of considering the specific circumstances of each situation. The differing perspectives from two individuals with direct experience in Minnesota’s 2020 events add weight to the discussion, prompting further analysis of the use of National Guard deployments in the future.