Army general says Trump official questioned his patriotism for opposing controversial move

Demonstrators take part in a No Kings Day protest against President Donald Trump's policies, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

During the ongoing Posse Comitatus Act trial, Major General Scott Sherman — a decorated officer with over three decades of military service — testified that a civilian official from the Trump administration questioned his loyalty to the United States after he raised legal objections to deploying military personnel in a domestic law enforcement capacity in Los Angeles.

A federal judge in San Francisco heard arguments on Monday to determine whether the Trump administration broke federal law by deploying National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to June protests over immigration raids.

According to Sherman's testimony, as reported by journalist Adam Klasfeld, the confrontation arose during internal deliberations over a controversial request for military assistance in the MacArthur Park operation conducted in Los Angeles in July. The operation, which aimed to disperse demonstrators in Los Angeles against immigration raids, was criticized by legal experts.

Sherman, who currently serves as the deputy commanding general for the National Guard U.S. Army North (5th Army), reportedly told the court that he cited the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that prohibits the use of the U.S. military for domestic policing without explicit congressional authorization.

His refusal to comply with the request, he testified, led to a tense exchange in which his patriotism was challenged.

The Department of Justice objected to the introduction of this testimony, arguing it was speculative and prejudicial. But Judge Marianne Keller overruled the objection, allowing the testimony to proceed — a decision likely to reverberate in the coming stages of the trial.

Out of the nearly 5,000 National Guard members deployed to Los Angeles in June, only 300 remain. The trial continues, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is calling on President Donald Trump to withdraw the rest of the troops. The Marines, who were also deployed, were sent home last month.

Sherman's claim led to criticism of the Trump administration on social media.

"Classic MAGA, to disagree with the regime is considered treason. Straight out of the authoritarian playbook," wrote a user on the social platform X.

Meanwhile, during the hearing Monday, California’s legal team moved to submit a statement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in which he announces the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and expresses solidarity with federal enforcement agencies — noting, “we did the same thing in Los Angeles.”