Congress Grills Pentagon Chief on Trump's LA Troop Deployment

Tensions Rise in Congress: Aguilar Challenges Hegseth on Trump's Military Deployment to Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA – June 10, 2025 – A recent subcommittee hearing saw a heated exchange between Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar of California and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The focus of the debate was President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to manage civil unrest. Rep. Aguilar directly challenged Secretary Hegseth, questioning the justification for using military forces for domestic law enforcement. "What's the justification for using the military for civilian law enforcement purposes in LA?" Aguilar pressed. Hegseth responded by defending President Trump's actions, stating that "Every American citizen deserves to live in a community that's safe." He further argued that the deployment was necessary because local authorities had failed to maintain order and protect federal agents. The exchange highlighted differing interpretations of legal authority and the appropriate role of the military in domestic affairs. The hearing underscored the ongoing debate surrounding the use of force and the balance between public safety and civil liberties. The event serves as a reminder of the complexities facing American society and the importance of open dialogue and accountability in government.