Donald Trump LIVE: US President in explosive claim ahead of key speech at US military base

in a minute18:43 Ciaran McGrath

Marine Commandant General Eric Smith confirmed a battalion is stationed in Los Angeles, equipped with shields and batons but not yet deployed, saying: “I am not concerned. I have great faith in my Marines.”

However, Republican Congressman David Valadao struck a more cautious tone, condemning “violence and vandalism” while warning against ICE raids that target “hardworking people” in his California district.

In Texas, state officials used chemical irritants to disperse protestors outside an ICE office in Austin, and in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis warned demonstrators: “We will make an example of you.”

Protests have flared across the country, including a peaceful demonstration outside Seattle’s immigration court and disruptive graffiti clean-up in downtown LA.

Viral rumours of “paid protestors” were debunked after it emerged a provocative Craigslist ad was actually tied to a prank show unrelated to the unrest.

Republican Congressman David Valadao (Image: Getty)

7 mins ago18:35 Ciaran McGrath

Mass protests have erupted in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities in response to ongoing federal immigration raids.

Demonstrators accuse the Trump administration of targeting peaceful, long-time residents rather than criminals.

In response to escalating unrest, President Donald Trump has deployed an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles.

Local officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have criticised the move, warning it risks inflaming tensions further.

The National Guard has been deployed in Los Angeles (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

14 mins ago18:28 Ciaran McGrath

President Donald Trump has defended his decision to send another 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, despite objections from Governor Gavin Newsom and local police chiefs who warn the move complicates protest response logistics.

At a White House press event, Mr Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, saying: “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We’ll see.”

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson doubled down, claiming Mr Newsom should be “tarred and feathered” for obstructing federal law enforcement efforts.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there had been “clear failures” from state and local officials, insisting a federal response was necessary.

The deployment is expected to last 60 days and cost at least $134 million, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

25 mins ago18:17 Ciaran McGrath

President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at Fort Bragg on Tuesday to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army, coinciding with his deployment of troops to manage immigration protests in Los Angeles.

Mr Trump has promoted the Army’s milestone as a reason to hold a military parade in Washington DC, on Saturday, which also happens to be his 79th birthday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that without sending troops to Los Angeles, the city would be “burning to the ground,” blaming local officials for delays in rebuilding homes following extensive fires.

He criticised the city and state permits as “disastrously bungled up and WAY BEHIND SCHEDULE,” stating that federal permitting is complete and urging residents to contact their officials.

The use of military deployment and public statements is being characterised by the White House as an attempt to address unrest and public safety concerns - although critics including Calfornia Governor Gavin Newsom have accused the billionaire of inflaming the situation.

26 mins ago18:16 Alice Scarsi