The Opinions Three Opinion Writers on the L.A. Protests and Trump’s Spectacle of Control
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Jun 11, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, opinion columnists David French and Tressie McMillan Cottom delve into the recent protests in Los Angeles, examining President Trump's deployment of military forces and its implications for civil liberties. They discuss the manipulation of political power and the historical significance of civil disobedience in face of escalating state control. With insights on upcoming legislation affecting AI regulation and education, the dialogue highlights the challenges to democracy and social safety nets amid a politically charged environment.
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Trump's Escalating Use of Troops
- Trump regrets not deploying troops faster in 2020 protests and plans to quickly invoke the Insurrection Act in future uprisings.
- Current modest troop deployment in L.A. may escalate to broader federal control if protests continue.
Trump's Spectacle of Power
- Trump uses political spectacle to amplify power, exploiting protests for show rather than practical necessity.
- The timing aligns with his desired military parade and agenda push, reflecting opportunistic governance.
Violence and Civil Disobedience Context
- Civil rights movement protests involved some violence to highlight state violence and injustice.
- Equivocating violence on both sides risks justifying force and escalating conflict unnecessarily.