Pres. Trump threatens to send National Guard to Oakland Here's how city leaders are responding

President Trump announced his intention to place Washington D. C. 's police department under federal control and deploy the National Guard to tackle crime, with Oakland as a potential site for deployment. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee strongly opposed the move, stating that her city is ready to fight back against military presence, especially given the recent decline in violent crime. Cynthia Adams, President of the Oakland NAACP, expressed fears of a return to the oppressive conditions of the 1960s due to military involvement.

Retired Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte highlighted the legal ramifications, suggesting that such actions threaten citizens' constitutional rights. Political science professor David McCuan characterized the situation as an unprecedented takeover of local law enforcement, indicating that California is a strategic target for the Trump administration. Lee criticized the lack of formal notification from the Trump administration regarding the National Guard and emphasized the need for local solutions. Council Member Carrol Fife proposed that federal funding for local police initiatives would provide a better alternative to military presence, citing wasted resources in Los Angeles. Overall, the responses from Oakland leaders reflect deep concerns about the militarization of urban areas and the implications for local governance.