California reveals Trump's National Guard stunt cost taxpayers $120 million

🌴California Governor Gavin Newsom disclosed on Sep. 4, 2025, that Trump's deployment of more than 4,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines to Los Angeles cost taxpayers approximately $118 million. The detailed breakdown included $71 million for food and necessities, $37 million in payroll, $4 million in logistics supplies, $3.5 million in travel, and $1.5 million in demobilization costs. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled on Sep. 2, 2025, that Trump's military deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits using military forces for domestic law enforcement.

The $118 million price tag (often rounded to $120 million) represents the true cost of Trump's illegal military deployment in just one city. Taxpayers funded military meals, housing, equipment, and salaries for troops who performed unconstitutional law enforcement duties. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled on Sep. 2, 2025, that the deployment violated federal law, making every dollar spent on the operation wasted money for an illegal activity.

Trump deployed approximately 4,900 total military personnel to Los Angeles for immigration enforcement operations that local police could have handled. The massive military presence was designed for political theater rather than actual security needs. Defense officials admitted the troops weren't needed for legitimate military missions, making this an expensive political stunt funded by taxpayers.

The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 specifically prohibits military forces from conducting domestic law enforcement operations. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled on Sep. 2, 2025, that Trump's deployment systematically violated this law by using armed soldiers for traffic stops, crowd control, and security patrols. Every day of the illegal deployment cost taxpayers money while undermining constitutional protections.

Similar illegal deployments in Washington 🏛️D.C. and threatened operations in Chicago could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions more nationally. Trump's pattern of using military forces for domestic law enforcement creates massive financial liabilities while violating fundamental constitutional principles. The 🌴California disclosure provides the most detailed accounting of costs for Trump's unconstitutional military deployment strategy.