Pentagon Predicts Deploying Troops in LA Will Cost $134M

President Donald Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles in response to mass deportation protests is projected to cost $134 million, according to Acting Pentagon Comptroller Bryn MacDonnell. Testifying before the House alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, MacDonnell noted that the funds would cover expenses like travel, housing, and meals for the 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines being sent to the city.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have publicly stated that the federal military presence is unnecessary. Despite local opposition, Hegseth defended the deployment during a tense budget hearing, blaming Democratic leadership for escalating the crisis. “The governor of California has failed to protect his people, along with the mayor of Los Angeles, and so President Trump has said he will protect our agents,” Hegseth told Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.). “And our Guard and Marines are proud to do it.”

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, used the hearing to deflect criticism about his tenure and instead targeted the Biden administration’s defense policies, accusing them of “chronic under investment” in national security and failing to secure the border. He also pointed to his efforts to eliminate diversity and equity programs at the Pentagon.

The deployment has triggered legal action from the state of California, which claims the federal intervention violates its sovereignty. Hegseth dismissed those concerns, asserting that Trump has “all the authorities necessary” to intervene.

Although Democrats on the House Defense Appropriations panel pressed Hegseth on several controversies — including high staff turnover, sudden firings of military officials, and his use of encrypted apps like Signal to discuss operations — they were largely unsuccessful in holding him accountable during the session.

When Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) compared the current situation to the 2020 George Floyd protests in Minneapolis, where no active-duty troops were used, Hegseth criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, suggesting his poor handling justified stronger federal intervention. “President Trump recognizes a situation like that... if it gets out of control, is a bad situation for the citizens of any location,” he said.

Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine are scheduled for two more hearings this week to defend Trump’s defense budget.

Link: Politico