Newsom Demands Full Disclosure on Trump’s ‘Illegal’ National Guard Deployment Costs

What We Know

California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially filed a federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to determine how much taxpayer money was spent on what he calls President Donald Trump’s “illegal” deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles.

According to the governor’s office, the request seeks full disclosure of all documents and records related to the deployment of U.S. Marines and the federalization of nearly 5,000 California National Guard soldiers since June 7, 2025. At its peak, the Pentagon told Congress the cost was estimated at $134 million.

Newsom continues to call for the demobilization of the remaining 300 soldiers still stationed at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos. The majority—around 4,700—have already returned home, but Newsom said the remaining personnel must be released “to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions.”

What They’re Saying

The Governor’s statement also warns of severe economic consequences. Attendance in private sector jobs in impacted regions has dropped by 3.1%, levels not seen since COVID-19 lockdowns. The UCLA Anderson Forecast suggests Trump’s actions—ranging from tariffs to immigration raids—may lead to a downturn in California’s economic performance this year.

In a forecasted worst-case scenario, California could lose $275 billion in economic activity and $23 billion in annual tax revenue due to mass detentions and deportations. The absence of immigrant workers—especially in critical sectors like construction, food supply, and disaster recovery—could severely impact long-term rebuilding efforts.

Opposition Growing on All Fronts

The deployment has pulled essential workers—including teachers, nurses, and law enforcement officers—away from their civilian jobs. Former governors from both parties, along with top retired military officials, filed legal briefs supporting Newsom’s lawsuit and condemning the move as a power grab that undermines the U.S. federal structure.

Veteran organizations and civil liberties groups have joined the opposition, warning of a “chilling effect” on public service and military morale in the state.

What’s Next

A federal court will begin hearing arguments next week in the case Newsom v. Trump. The Governor’s legal team is expected to present evidence regarding the scope and legality of the deployment, economic impacts, and state sovereignty violations.

Follow Virginia Times for regular news updates. Stay informed with the latest headlines, breaking stories, and in-depth reporting from around the world.