National Security Leaders for America Urges Restraint in Use of National Guard in Los Angeles

 

Photo provided by an independent photographer

Washington, DC, June 8, 2025, National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A)  is alarmed by the federalization of National Guard troops over the express wishes of the State Governor and despite the state’s confidence in its ability to maintain local order. This unilateral federal overreach risks politicizing the military and degrading public confidence in our armed forces. NSL4A, therefore, calls upon Congress to exercise its oversight authority to curtail the domestic use of the military to quell protests that are within the ability of state authorities to control and to avoid setting a dangerous precedent. 

Veteran military and civilian national security personnel from NSL4A are available for interviews and to comment. 

While we acknowledge the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to activate the National Guard in extraordinary circumstances, such actions must be based on clear necessity, credible threat assessments, and transparent coordination with state and local officials. No presidential administration should unilaterally override the authority, knowledge, and credibility of a sitting state governor, nor go against his official requests. Furthermore, the symbolically powerful deployment of uniformed troops into American cities should be reserved for extreme circumstances, not as a first resort against Constitutionally Protected First Amendment rights, such as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. 

We urge the Administration to rescind this unnecessary use of military force. We also call upon Congress to exercise its oversight authority to ensure the non-partisan nature of our military and the protection of our Constitutional rights. 

About National Security Leaders for America

National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) is a bipartisan, nonpartisan 501(c)(4) organization of over 1,200 senior national security professionals—retired admirals, generals, senior enlisted leaders, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilian service officials—united in defense of American democracy. Founded in 2021, NSL4A advocates for democratic values, institutions, and leaders who uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Our members offer expert, real-world insights on the national security implications of election integrity, civil-military relations, and democratic resilience.