News

Sen. Collins is First Republican to Break with Trump Over Marine Deployment to L.A.

Sen. Collins is First Republican to Break with Trump Over Marine Deployment to L.A.

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


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.

Latest Headlines

10 hours ago in Local

Woman in Critical Condition After Penobscot County ATV Crash

The crash remains under investigation.

10 hours ago in Local

Maine Woman Serious Injured in Sagadahoc County Crash

Deputies say a woman had to be extracted from her vehicle with serious injuries

11 hours ago in Local

Sen. Collins, Sen. King offer thoughts after Gaza ceasefire deal

Maine's congressional delegation reacting after Hamas released all living hostages after two years of violence in Gaza.

11 hours ago in Local

Hunter injured after gun goes off in northern Maine

A Brewer woman was hit by birdshot when a member of her hunting party fired their gun in Aroostook County.

19 hours ago in Local

Why Are There So Many Hotels in Portland?

Quincy Hentzel with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce says the hotels are continuing to be built for a reason.