Maine U.S. Senator Susan Collins is the first Republican to break with the Trump administration over deployment of Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests.
Collins told reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday that she supports the administration’s deployment of National Guard troops but thinks active-duty forces should not be involved in domestic law enforcement.
President Trump has ordered 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to assist with the protests over immigration enforcement actions. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have said they are not needed, and Newsom has been involved in a heated back-and-forth with the President and has accused Trump of overreach.
Collins is the first Republican lawmakers to break with Republican leadership. POLITICO reports Collins is condemning the “serious” unrest in Los Angeles, saying it “deserves a strong response.” She also indicated local leaders should cooperate with the National Guard.
“There should be an effort for everybody to get on the same page in dealing with this violence,” said Collins as quoted by POLITICO.
Pentagon staff told House members at a budget hearing Tuesday that Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles will likely cost $134 million.