LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson aligned with their party after the two Democrats denounced President Donald Trump’s lawful deployment of the National Guard to restore order to Los Angeles.
The area is undergoing its fourth day of protests and violence amid immigration raids in California.
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Gov. Whitmer and 21 other Democratic governors, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a statement and called Trump’s decision an “alarming abuse of power.”
I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command.
We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while… pic.twitter.com/SYIy81SZdH
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 8, 2025
Article II Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution states, “The President, in addition to being Chief Executive, is Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy. He holds the prime responsibility for the conduct of United States foreign relations. These duties carry very broad powers, including the power to deploy American forces abroad and commit them to military operations when the President deems such action necessary to maintain the security and defense of the United States.”
In addition, 10 USC 13 sections 251 through 255 allow the power delegated to the President to “respond with federal active duty forces or federalized National Guard forces to a state’s request for aid against an insurrection within the state.”
Secretary of State Benson, an attorney and 2026 gubernatorial candidate, weighed into the fray.
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As a military spouse whose career is inspired by the bravery of citizens who stood up for democracy during the civil rights movement—and the National Guard who protected them—I am appalled that President Trump is deploying our own military to quell protests against his regime.…
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) June 8, 2025
Benson’s post triggered an explosion of backlash on social media.
Career ending post. You just told us illegal immigrants are more important than Michigan citizens and when this comes to our state, you will let it burn.
Drop out now.
— Anna Hoffman (@shoesonplease) June 8, 2025
Grand Rapids Police and gov’t used kid gloves with the George Floyd protestors-turned-rioters/looters on May 30, 2020. Those idiots destroyed businesses, vehicles, and looted our downtown.
Benson has the same energy.
— veritaser (@veritaseratee) June 9, 2025
It’s not a regime, he’s a duly elected President of the United States, despite your efforts. Second, the rule of law is being violated in CA and the governor is worthless. Thank you for showing which side you fall on. Lawlessness versus rule of law.
— Scott Burbary (@Scott13820337) June 8, 2025
Jocelyn Benson is on record:
– She will not protect citizens
– She will not protect property
– She will let Michigan burn
– She will abandon citizens in needThat’s horrible. Fire your campaign manager.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Brog (@Brogtog) June 8, 2025
Law-abiding citizens aren’t burning cars and buildings, dear.
— Lisa Schuepp (@SchueppLisa) June 8, 2025
Benson launched her 2026 gubernatorial race in January. Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits, and some speculate she will run for president in 2028.
