Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the deployment of National Guardsmen and Marines to Los Angeles on Tuesday, amid objections from Democrats regarding the domestic use of military forces. This deployment comes as protests continue in Los Angeles and other cities across the nation in response to President Trump's immigration policies.

The Pentagon has estimated that the deployment will cost approximately $134 million and is expected to last for 60 days. Pentagon Comptroller Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell confirmed that the funds will be drawn from existing operations and maintenance accounts. Hegseth stated that the troops are being adequately supported during their deployment.

In response to California Governor Gavin Newsom's claims that National Guard troops were sent to Los Angeles without proper provisions, Hegseth asserted, "The commanders and troops on the field are very well-prepared, sir. They responded incredibly rapidly to a deteriorating situation with equipment and capabilities." He emphasized that the troops are being housed and fed, countering allegations of neglect.

Hegseth also shared images on social media, addressing Trump directly, stating, "You sent your troops here without fuel, food, water or a place to sleep. Here they are — being forced to sleep on the floor, piled on top of one another. If anyone is treating our troops disrespectfully, it is you."

During the briefing, Hegseth reflected on his own experiences, recalling how he held a riot shield outside the White House during the George Floyd protests in 2020. He stated, "We have made sure from the top down, as a Secretary of Defense who has been in a unit holding riot shields outside the White House during the chaos of the summer of 2020, I know what it's like to be immediately deployed into a situation like that."

Additionally, Hegseth discussed military recruitment, noting a surge in enlistment numbers. He claimed that more individuals are eager to serve under President Trump. When questioned by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart about the administration's stance on transgender soldiers, Hegseth responded with a chuckle, saying, "If they wanted to get a woke indoctrination, they can just go to college. Instead, they are joining the military where we're focused on the basics."

As the situation develops, the deployment of troops in Los Angeles continues to draw attention and scrutiny from various political figures and the public.