# Trump now wants to use military force to take California **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [June 8, 2025, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341 "2025-06-08T18:36:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2025, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/41 "2025-06-09T23:15:40Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > Someone on another board posted a link to this nonprofit NGO, which assists military personnel who, among other things, may think they have been or will be issued illegal orders. My wife said the other day she thinks the hotline primarily for LGBTQ+ servicepeople to call in about their rights ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2025, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/42 "2025-06-09T23:20:58Z")
I think the whole TACO meme is wishful thinking. I comfort myself by reminding myself that throughout human history, many people have lived normal decent lives in brutal dictatorships/kingdoms/empires. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2025, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/43 "2025-06-09T23:29:17Z")
If the reports posted in this reddit thread are correct, there are about 2 reporters already shot. Lauren Tomasi from Australia, and Nick Stern from the BBC were shot with rubber bullets. Leaving them with some serious wounds. > **[Reddit - The heart of the internet](https://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/1l79rdv/shocking_video_shows_reporter_struck_by_rubber/)** ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2025, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/44 "2025-06-09T23:39:15Z")
You can see Tomasi getting shot with the rubber bullet in the video below. Note she was clearly a reporter and clearly not threatening the police. Indeed, the cop shot her when her back was turned to him. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/nGf4PEZZHpQ/maxresdefault.jpg "LA Protests: TV Journalist Shot With Police Rubber Bullet") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGf4PEZZHpQ) ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/45 "2025-06-10T03:56:18Z")
That could well be what it was created for, and also for people to inquire about what to do if they have been victims of sexual violence, but it seems to have branched out into other areas. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/46 "2025-06-10T03:57:15Z")
Good luck getting away with that! ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/47 "2025-06-10T04:01:24Z")
Even if we really weren’t, I still can’t help missing the days when we were the good guys [![](https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/490494235_10170712883420532_2866271719006815008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=d8oV4qgg9ZcQ7kNvwE5QHCU&_nc_oc=Adl9INkgtG-Tw03kqiuTNeoONLmkLi4jc5N0jqcuyqyl5X_LZrNB0kNaxiOQPlFO0lA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&_nc_gid=W2T1PN-aO87LrYLGnEdM_Q&oh=00_AfOOK87CJSmFCU2Z5A0tvFp3zqhiFBw82p20BwcR36fO8w&oe=684D7025) ](https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/490494235_10170712883420532_2866271719006815008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=d8oV4qgg9ZcQ7kNvwE5QHCU&_nc_oc=Adl9INkgtG-Tw03kqiuTNeoONLmkLi4jc5N0jqcuyqyl5X_LZrNB0kNaxiOQPlFO0lA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&_nc_gid=W2T1PN-aO87LrYLGnEdM_Q&oh=00_AfOOK87CJSmFCU2Z5A0tvFp3zqhiFBw82p20BwcR36fO8w&oe=684D7025) ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/48 "2025-06-10T15:25:52Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > You can see Tomasi getting shot with the rubber bullet in the video below. Note she was clearly a reporter and clearly not threatening the police. Indeed, the cop shot her when her back was turned to him. Yep. Shoot 'em in the back! Another video I saw on Twitter showed LA cops at a protest there was one guy separated from anyone else surrounded by cops. He’s clearly signaling surrender, yet they yank him backwards by his backpack and throw him to the ground, hit him with clubs, then trample him with a horse. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/49 "2025-06-10T15:28:29Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Shoot 'em in the back! Shooting in the back reminds me of a Harlan Ellison story where a ‘hero’ stabs a demon in the back. ‘\*In the _ **back?** _’ His cowardice cost him. I don’t remember the name of the story, but it may have been in _Deathbird Stories_. ---
**Author:** ![TGC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f9ae1b/32.png) [@TGC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TGC)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/50 "2025-06-11T00:35:03Z")
I live in LA and the rioters are looting & robbing local businesses and destroying personal property, and blocking traffic so that ambulances and fire engines can’t get through. The National Guard was absolutely needed and I am baffled as to why Gov Newsom didn’t call them in himself. ---
**Author:** ![TGC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f9ae1b/32.png) [@TGC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TGC)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/51 "2025-06-11T00:35:57Z")
The dangers of reporting from a war zone. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/52 "2025-06-11T00:47:03Z")
Let me guess: You want Koreans on the rooftops. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/53 "2025-06-11T00:57:13Z")
What war? I see a bunch of police in riot gear line up taking the occasional pot shot at a bunch of people just mulling around. I see zero in the way of any violent opposition on the part of the protestors that would necessitate the use of force. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/54 "2025-06-11T01:16:28Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > ICE can arrest people who are imminently and actively facilitating illegal immigration, preventing them from enforcing immigration directives, or attendant crimes (destroying evidence, et cetera). Could Tom Homan justify having Newsom arrested by ICE agents? Doubtful but it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t try given sufficient incentive. I’m guessing the “sufficient incentive” is “Trump wants it done”. > [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > I hope someone reminds those Marines of the oath they took. Many in our military support a commaner in chief who cares not a whit about the oath he took. Why would they then care about the oath they took? > [@dasmoocher](#): > > What are the chances that the troops will be ordered to only shoot people in the legs? A distinction without a difference. IIRC, warning shots are dangerous enough. The bullet has to land somewhere. That very well could be in someone’s head. Also, IIRC, aiming for an arm or a leg isn’t a good plan as it’s not a good enough target. [quote=“Just\_Asking\_Questions, post:20, topic:1019341, full:true”] > [@Broomstick](#): > > Trump only called them off when it was becoming obvious they wouldn’t succeed, all the Congresscritters and the electoral votes had managed to escape. So much winning! On a serious note, he even had to be cajoled into that too little, too late so-called action. > [@bobot](#): > > Trump wants to create a liberal Ashley Babbit, as long as someone else pulls the trigger. He wants people he doesn’t like dead. Look at the Central Park Five/Exonerate Five for substantiation of my claim. Also, if the people he wants dead also happen to be despised by the people who like him, well, that’s the best result ever in his feeble mind. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/55 "2025-06-11T01:20:10Z")
> [@TGC](#): > > I live in LA and the rioters are looting & robbing local businesses and destroying personal property, and blocking traffic so that ambulances and fire engines can’t get through. Wow, the malcontents are really crawling out from under a rock, aren’t they? ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/56 "2025-06-11T01:35:21Z")
I haven’t seen the Guard do diddly squat. LAPD and CHP are handling all of the crowd control and arrests AND providing protection for the guardsmen. The National Guard isn’t needed. They are in the way of local law enforcement and inflaming the situation just by their presence. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/57 "2025-06-11T01:36:33Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > I’m guessing the “sufficient incentive” is “Trump wants it done”. Tom Homan is just the kind of oaf to do whatever ‘Master’ pleases, and also a great fall guy if he really gets dipped in shit over it. I have a hard time believing that even Trump thought he would be a good choice to be in charge of a government agency…and then I look over and see Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Linda McMahon, and RFK Jr in full mutant glory sitting at the table and it all makes sense. Trump doesn’t really want anything to work, even the thing he fervently supports. He just wants to finger paint the country in his own shit like the emotional toddler he is. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/58 "2025-06-11T01:46:15Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > The National Guard isn’t needed. They are in the way of local law enforcement and inflaming the situation just by their presence. And that’s exactly what the felon in chief wants. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/59 "2025-06-11T02:37:21Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > then I look over and see Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Linda McMahon, and RFK Jr in full mutant glory sitting at the table and it all makes sense. I found a photo! [![](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/The-Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre-Cropped.jpg) ](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/The-Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre-Cropped.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341/60 "2025-06-11T03:24:48Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Parody title, actual story. Evidently, the only thing not true about your title was the assertion it’s California he wants to use the military to take. [It’s actually the entire country.](https://www.aol.com/trump-wants-20-000-troops-210432900.html) > [@](#): > > WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is reviewing a Department of Homeland Security request to deploy more than 20,000 additional [National Guard troops](https://www.yahoo.com/news/why-did-trump-deploy-national-145136305.html) to aid the[Trump administration’s](https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/donald-trump/) [widening crackdown on illegal immigration](https://www.yahoo.com/news/ice-touts-arrests-chaotic-scenes-194032389.html) around the United States, according to officials and documents. > > Homeland Security officials want the troops to help track fugitives, quell riots at detention centers and search for unaccompanied children in remote or hostile terrain. > > Meanwhile, Pentagon and Customs and Border Patrol officials have inspected military bases in recent months from New Jersey to California as potential sites to detain an expected influx of migrants. > > Keeping 20,000 National Guardsmen on duty for one year would cost $3.6 billion, according to a U.S. official briefed on the potential deployment. However, it’s unclear how many Guardsmen are available to fill the request, according to a Defense official. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-california/1019341.md?page=4)