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Governor Newsom Requests Taxpayer Cost of Trump's Illegal National Guard Deployment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to uncover the cost to American taxpayers of President Trump's illegal militarization of Los Angeles. The deployment, which has been ongoing for over 60 days, has been widely criticized as a political theater that undermines the balance between state and federal government. Newsom's request comes as a federal court prepares to hear evidence in Newsom v. Trump, a lawsuit challenging the legality of the federal government's actions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The federal government has deployed almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area under Trump's order, with 300 National Guard members remaining after 4,700 soldiers have demobilized.
  • Private sector work attendance is down 3.1%, a drop comparable only to COVID-19 lockdown levels, resulting in significant economic losses for California.
  • Mass arrests, detentions, and deportations in California could cost the state's economy $275 billion and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue.
  • Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022, a figure that would rise to $10.3 billion if they could work lawfully.
  • A bipartisan group of 25 former governors has filed a brief supporting Newsom v. Trump, urging the court to enforce state sovereignty and block the unprecedented federalization of the National Guard.
  • Retired four-star admirals and generals, along with former Army and Navy secretaries, have filed an amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump's illegal takeover of the CalGuard.
  • The deployment has pulled servicemembers from essential civilian duties, including medical and first responders, service workers, building trades contractors, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, civil service and government workers, technology specialists, educators and teachers, and agriculture workers.

Statistics:

  • 300 National Guard members remain after 4,700 soldiers have demobilized.
  • Private sector work attendance is down 3.1%, a drop comparable only to COVID-19 lockdown levels.
  • Economic impact of the deployment: $275 billion (cost to California's economy) and $23 billion (annual tax revenue).
  • Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022.
  • Undocumented immigrants could contribute $10.3 billion in state and local taxes if they could work lawfully.
  • Over 60 days, the deployment has resulted in significant economic losses for California.

Sources:

  • "Governor Newsom Files Request to Expose Taxpayer Cost of Trump's Illegal National Guard Deployment." Press release, Governor of California, Aug. 7.

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