California officials blast Trump’s troop deployment as wasteful, while critics cite far higher state costs for illegal immigrant services.

Trump’s Military Deployment Sparks State Budget Controversy

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have criticized President Donald Trump over the $134 million cost of deploying federal troops to suppress anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. Both leaders argue that the funds could be better used for urgent local needs such as wildfire recovery and housing support.

“$134 million that should be going to LA’s fire recovery,” Newsom wrote on X. Bass called the move a “shameful” and “despicable” misuse of taxpayer dollars. They argue the military presence is unnecessary and politically motivated, characterizing it as a “publicity stunt.”

In response, critics pointed to California’s own spending priorities. They highlighted that state programs for illegal immigrants cost billions annually — far exceeding the price of the federal troop deployment. Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and several other prominent voices argued that California’s taxpayer burden stems from expansive benefits granted to undocumented residents.

Campaign strategist Andrew Clark and activist Robby Starbuck were among those who cited the estimated $31 billion California spends yearly on benefits for illegal immigrants. A 2023 analysis by a national policy group found that services for undocumented individuals — including education, healthcare, and incarceration — placed a growing financial strain on the state budget.

California recently expanded Medi-Cal coverage to include all low-income adults regardless of immigration status. Around 1.6 million illegal immigrants are currently enrolled. In tandem, Governor Newsom has requested a $2.8 billion loan to address a Medicaid budget shortfall, which officials acknowledge was impacted by this expansion.

Despite the backlash, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin defended the federal response. She stressed the potential cost of inaction, citing widespread looting, arson, and destruction of businesses that could cost taxpayers millions if left unchecked. “Newsom and Bass are conveniently ignoring the high price of mass looting,” she said.

President Trump’s team maintains that restoring law and order in Los Angeles is a top priority. “President Trump will not stand by while these lawless rioters loot and destroy a great American city,” McLaughlin stated, asserting that federal assistance prevented further damage and economic disruption.

Legal Challenges and Ongoing Tensions

Late Thursday, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order directing Trump to return control of the National Guard to the state. The judge ruled that the deployment violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded presidential authority under existing law. The order is scheduled to take effect at noon on Friday.

However, hours later, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary block on that decision, allowing federal control of the Guard to continue for now. The court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for June 17, setting the stage for a pivotal legal showdown over federal and state authority.

Newsom Communications Director Izzy Gardon pushed back strongly against Trump’s actions, stating there is “zero return for taxpayers” when money is spent on what he called “a political stunt.” Gardon argued that investing in education and healthcare for Californians yields measurable benefits, unlike a military deployment with no clear outcome.

Mayor Bass emphasized the role immigrants play in the state’s economy. “We have entire industries that wouldn’t function without immigrant labor,” she said, warning that continued pressure from Washington risks harming both families and local economic resilience.

As court proceedings advance, the broader debate remains unresolved: how should state and federal governments prioritize spending — and who bears responsibility when their policies collide?