Mike Johnson, House speaker, praises Trump for sending National Guard to L.A. as ‘real leadership’

House Speaker Mike Johnson applauded President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to clashes between immigration officials and protesters.

“I have no concern about that at all,” the Louisiana Republican said on ABC News’ “This Week.” “I think the president did exactly what he needed to do.”

National Guard troops began arriving Sunday in Los Angeles after Mr. Trump issued a memorandum announcing that at least 2,000 Guard personnel would be sent to the area.

Mr. Trump leaned on federal law to bypass California Gov. Gavin Newsom in the chain of command for the National Guard.

Democrats derided the move, warning that the decision could further inflame tensions between federal authorities and protesters.

Law enforcement officials were anticipating a third day of protests against the immigration raids.

Mr. Johnson said Mr. Trump had to step in to “maintain the rule of law” after Mr. Newsom dropped the ball.

“That’s real leadership, and he has the authority and the responsibility to do it,” Mr. Johnson said. “You know, one of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength.”

“We do that on foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well,” he said. “I don’t think that’s heavy-handed.”

A mob of protesters on Saturday sought to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from carrying out deportation sweeps in Paramount, California.

Mr. Trump credited the National Guard with helping to subdue the at times violent protests.

However, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Mr. Newsom, both Democrats, said Mr. Trump made the claim before the National Guard had arrived.