The Deployment of Marines to Los Angeles Amid Protests for George Floyd's Death
About the People Mentioned
Brad Brooks
Brad Brooks is a multi-faceted musician, vocalist, and songwriter based in the San Francisco Bay Area, widely recognized for his dynamic performances and creative versatility. He is the owner of Mouth Magic Music, an entertainment company specializing in a range of genres, including jazz, rock, pop, and blues[1]. His musical journey began in childhood, mastering instruments such as guitar, violin, and drums, which laid the foundation for a professional career that has spanned decades[1]. After college, Brooks quickly established himself as a sought-after musician and producer, collaborating with major artists like Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé, and earning several industry awards and accolades for his contributions[1]. Brooks has released four solo records since 2000 and is celebrated locally as one of the Bay Area’s finest vocalists and songwriters[4]. His reputation extends beyond solo work; notably, he served as the lead singer in Wayne Kramer’s “We Are All MC5,” a “reanimation” of the iconic proto-punk band MC5, touring and recording new material alongside MC5 classics[5]. This project brought together notable musicians, including drummer Winston Watson and bassist Vicki Randle, and showcased Brooks’ ability to bridge classic and contemporary rock sounds[5]. The band’s album, *Heavy Lifting*, recorded in 2021, was released in October 2025 after delays, with Brooks contributing live vocals on several tracks[5]. In recent years, Brooks has remained active in the Bay Area music scene, both as a performer and a provider of customized musical entertainment for events[1]. His adaptability across genres and commitment to high-quality performances have kept him relevant and respected among peers and audiences alike[1]. While there have been no major public announcements about new projects in 2025, his involvement in *Heavy Lifting* and continued local performances underscore his ongoing influence in the regional music landscape[5]. Brooks’ career reflects a blend of artistic passion, professional achievement, and a dedication to enriching the cultural life of his community.
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Marines
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a premier naval expeditionary force specializing in rapid response, crisis management, and sustained combat operations from both sea and land. It operates as a key component of the Department of the Navy but maintains a command structure akin to the Army, organized around Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs) combining ground, air, and logistics elements. This structure allows the Marines to project power globally and sustain combat operations independently for up to 60 days[2]. Historically, the Marine Corps has evolved into a highly agile and lethal force, designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. Its long-standing mission is to serve as the nation’s force in readiness, capable of responding decisively to crises worldwide. The Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025 outlines its future orientation—emphasizing multicapable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) that are mission-tailored, expeditionary, and optimized for naval operations. The strategy highlights modernization efforts focused on advanced equipment, logistics, and battlefield adaptability to maintain strategic freedom and operational flexibility against emerging threats[1]. Recent organizational changes include reverting infantry squads to 13 Marines to optimize combat effectiveness and creating a new reconnaissance and fires company within infantry battalions to incorporate drones, mortars, and other precision fires. These adjustments reflect the Corps’ focus on integrating technology and enhancing battlefield lethality[4]. The Marine Corps is also undergoing a comprehensive modernization plan, incorporating new aircraft like the F-35B and F-35C to maintain air superiority and support from the skies. This modernization is balanced with a commitment to training, deployment, and retention amid recruiting challenges. The Corps emphasizes readiness and presence, particularly in strategic regions like Korea, the Philippines, and Australia, to uphold its rapid deployment capability[5][8]. Overall, the USMC remains a critical, technology-driven force in national defense, continuously adapting its structure, equipment, and strategies to meet 21s