The decision by the Trump administration to deploy national guard troops to Los Angeles to handle civilian protests despite opposition from the Californian governor has raised concerns among armed service veterans. This move is seen as a significant escalation that could lead to the politicization of the US military.

Former top military officials have expressed that putting up to 2,000 troops under federal control and sending them into the streets of LA goes against the military's commitment to staying out of domestic politics except in extreme situations. The last time a president federalized the national guard against a state governor's wishes was in 1965 during the civil rights marches in Alabama under Lyndon Johnson.

Maj Gen Paul Eaton stated, "This is the politicization of the armed forces, casting a negative light on the military and putting them in a position they do not want to be in, facing American citizens." He also predicted that this deployment could lead to invoking the Insurrection Act, allowing the president to use the full US military against insurrection or rebellion.

The deployment of national guard troops in LA, despite the largely peaceful protests against Trump's deportation efforts, has sparked concern within military circles. The move is seen as a political maneuver by Trump, going against the wishes of the governor and setting a precedent for forced military involvement.

Trump's memo authorizing the deployment of the national guard in LA is written broadly, allowing for the use of regular military troops and national guard forces to protect federal functions in areas with ongoing protests. The memo also permits the military to be deployed preemptively against anticipated protests, a first in the US.

Concerns have been raised about the potential use of the national guard in immigration-related activities, such as accompanying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in raids. The ambiguity in roles between the military and ICE agents could lead to confusion among civilians and send mixed messages.

Experts had predicted such military mobilization under Trump's administration, with the president openly stating his intentions to use the military against internal threats. Previous actions, such as firing top military officials without cause, have already hinted at a politicization of the armed services.

Retired military leaders have emphasized the importance of the military's loyalty to the constitution over a specific leader. The upcoming military parade in Washington DC to celebrate the US army's 250th anniversary on the president's birthday has also raised concerns about the militarization of events and the perception of the military as a personal tool of the president.