They are trying to strike a careful balance on issues where Republicans have held a political advantage in recent years.

The president claimed, without giving evidence, that the protesters were “paid” agitators, that the Los Angeles police asked for the National Guard, and that swaths of the city were under gang control.

President Donald Trump’s deployment of military troops to California is forcing Democrats back onto politically perilous turf, as they look for ways to condemn Trump’s actions without being drawn into a broad debate over immigration or tying themselves to the chaotic scenes emerging from Los Angeles.

The "No Kings" protests have taken aim at President Donald Trump's policies, particularly his decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles.