1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I write to you today with deep concern over the federal deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority. Historically, such a move has occurred only once before, in 1965, to protect civil rights marchers. This latest federal intervention not only contradicts the states’ rights principles that conservatives have long defended, but also sets a dangerous precedent—one that threatens the autonomy of every governor in the nation. Before this unwarranted intervention, California was actively working to deescalate tensions. Governor Newsom, law enforcement, and community leaders took measured steps to address unrest, focusing on dialogue over force. The deployment of federal troops against the will of the state’s leadership has only escalated tensions instead of restoring order. More troubling, this action does not just affect California. The federal bypassing of a governor’s authority in one state signals that it can happen elsewhere. What happened in Los Angeles could happen in Arizona, Texas, or any other state facing civil unrest. The right of governors to manage their own National Guard forces is a pillar of states’ rights, and if this precedent stands, it could strip governors of their authority when federal interests outweigh state priorities. Congress must act swiftly to reaffirm the autonomy of state governments in handling their National Guard deployments. If states’ rights are truly valued, they must be upheld consistently—not selectively. I urge you to protect constitutional freedoms, prevent federal overreach, and ensure that state leaders maintain control over their own forces. The future of our democracy depends on preserving checks and balances, respecting the Constitution, and ensuring that governors retain their rightful authority.