Pentagon leaders faced members of Congress on Thursday for the first time since President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard in American cities. During the hearing, held by the Senate Armed Services Committee, Democrats lambasted the mission as an egregious abuse of power by the president, while Republicans contended the effort was “essential” to protect the homeland.

In June, Trump — in response to protests against his immigration policies — announced the Guard would serve as an auxiliary force supporting local and federal law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles. Trump went on to send Guard troops to other cities across the United States, citing a crackdown on crime and immigration.

Mark Ditlevson, principal deputy assistant secretary for homeland defense and Americas security aff

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