All Is Not Quiet On the Western Front
- In recent weeks, President Trump ordered the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles following incidents of violence in the wake of federal immigration raids. Notably, this action was taken without a request and against the will of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The President has cited the Insurrection Act of 1807 as the legal basis for the deployment, which permits federal use of military forces to suppress civil unrest. The act has been invoked approximately 30 times in U.S. history, though normally with state consent, underscoring the exceptional nature of the action.
- Occam reveals expected partisan divisions related to the decision: more than 60% of Democratic respondents oppose the deployment, while over 50% of Republicans express support. However, sentiment among Independent voters offers a more nuanced perspective. Nearly 40% of Independents oppose the federal government’s ability to override a state governor’s authority—by a margin of more than two to one, they favor the preservation of state sovereignty in such cases. Additionally, another 30% of Independents report that their view on federal intervention “depends on the circumstances,” indicating a more conditional stance on federal authority.
- Occam will continue to monitor developments as the legal and political implications evolve. Subscribe today to stay ahead of the curve.
