Donald Trump has again threatened to deploy National Guard troops to San Francisco, claiming in a Fox News interview that he has 'unquestioned power' to do so. The president stated, 'We're gonna go to San Francisco. The difference is I think they want us in San Francisco,' despite opposition from local officials.
His comments follow support from tech billionaires including Elon Musk, David Sacks, and Marc Benioff, though Benioff later apologised and withdrew his backing after backlash. Trump has previously ordered controversial deployments to Los Angeles and Washington DC, and has sought to send troops to other Democratic-run cities like Chicago and Portland, facing legal challenges.
The president cited the Insurrection Act, a federal law allowing military deployment to quell domestic uprisings, to justify his plans. However, a judge found his deployment in Los Angeles violated federal law, and a court injunction has halted Portland operations. San Francisco leaders have been preparing for potential intervention, with Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasising that crime rates are falling and coordination with state and federal agencies is working.
State Senator Scott Wiener dismissed Trump's claims, stating, 'San Franciscans don't want him to send his personal army to occupy and invade San Francisco.' He added that Trump's animosity stems from the city's support for immigrants and LGBTQ people. The city's homicide rate is expected to be the lowest since 1954, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
