U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, voiced significant concerns during a recent hearing regarding the U.S. Navy’s posture and President Trump’s decision to deploy thousands of National Guard members and Marines in California amid immigration protests. Kaine emphasized the unprecedented nature of this deployment, particularly given that it occurred against the wishes of both California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Kaine, drawing from his own experiences as a former mayor and governor, stressed the importance of the partnership between state leaders and the President in mobilizing the National Guard. He described the situation as “very, very dangerous”, warning that deploying active-duty Marines to manage civilian protests could escalate tensions and undermine public trust. “If we mess up the balance of how we use the Guard or the military in civilian protests that local law enforcement can handle, we will regret that for a long time,” he cautioned.
Kaine further articulated concerns that citizens might feel threatened to voice dissent due to military presence, especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American democracy. He underscored the necessity for citizens to exercise their rights freely, stating that the current climate could determine whether this milestone is celebrated or mourned.
In rebuttal to comparisons between Trump’s actions and historic instances such as President Eisenhower’s activation of the National Guard in Arkansas to uphold federal law during school integration, Kaine pointed out that Governor Newsom is not violating federal law and should not be subjected to military force without his consent. He argued that local officials should be the ones to request such assistance when necessary.
Additionally, Kaine spotlighted ongoing challenges within the Navy, including budget requests and naval shipbuilding delays which impact critical programs like the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. He reaffirmed his commitment to improving mental health care access for servicemembers, referencing the Brandon Act, aimed at addressing critical gaps in mental health services.
Overall, Kaine’s remarks highlight the importance of collaboration between state and federal authorities, especially in sensitive situations involving civil unrest, signifying a need for careful consideration of the military’s role in domestic affairs. These discussions could pave the way for a more balanced approach that honors both the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of service members.