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U.S. President Donald Trump strongly condemned protesters involved in violent incidents in Los Angeles, asserting that while they proudly carry foreign flags, they do not carry the American flag — which they instead burn.
Speaking at a ceremony at Fort Bragg military base, Trump described the events in Los Angeles as “unacceptable” and criticized state authorities for being “ineffective,” prompting him to take action to restore order.
“These individuals proudly carry the flags of other countries but refuse to carry the American flag. They just burn it. Those who burn the American flag should be sentenced to one year in prison,” Trump said.
Warning that Los Angeles would be “burned and destroyed” if thousands of National Guard troops were not deployed, Trump sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom as “incompetent” and “ineffective.”
Trump further described the situation in California as a “foreign invasion” where insurgents carrying foreign flags threaten peace, public order, and national sovereignty, stating: “We will not allow this to happen.”
The president also called for the arrest of large numbers of undocumented immigrants in the city, vowing to “liberate Los Angeles.”
As commander-in-chief, Trump pledged to take all necessary measures to secure Los Angeles, citing legal responsibilities. He also highlighted plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military with a major parade in Washington on June 14, committing to continue such commemorations.
Reflecting on World War I, Trump claimed the United States secured victory over Germany and Japan, stating: “If not for us, you’d all be speaking German — maybe a bit of Japanese mixed in. But we won the war.”
The protests in Los Angeles were sparked by arrests of undocumented immigrants by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Demonstrations supporting detainees have continued amid clashes between protesters and security forces. Several vehicles were set on fire and rendered unusable.
In response, Trump initially deployed about 2,000 National Guard troops to the area, later announcing an additional 2,000 guardsmen and 700 Marines.
California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged Trump’s federal intervention, accusing the president of overstepping his authority regarding National Guard deployment and filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block the move.
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