A new RMG Research poll reveals that 52% of registered U.S. voters approve of former President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to recent anti-ICE protests and riots. The deployment, initially 2,000 troops with another 2,000 added later, aimed to protect federal property and personnel. While 42% of voters disapproved and 7% were undecided, the majority also backed ICE operations in the city, with 57% expressing support. Trump defended the action, claiming L.A. would be “burning to the ground” without military assistance and criticized California leaders for their handling of both the protests and earlier wildfires.

The unrest has sparked political tension, with Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman breaking from many in his party to condemn the violence. Fetterman emphasized support for peaceful protest but denounced the riots as “anarchy,” stating that Democrats lose credibility by not condemning attacks on law enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed that sentiment during a Fox News interview, describing the scenes in L.A. as resembling a “Third World country” and vowed that the DOJ would pursue federal charges against anyone assaulting law enforcement. The situation has intensified national debate over immigration enforcement, public safety, and protest boundaries.