Why is Trump trying to deploy the National Guard to US cities?

Trump insists the troops are needed to instill order, but Democratic states say the deployments risk escalating tensions.

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Trump argues that his use of the troops is necessary to quell violence in Democratic-controlled cities, crack down on crime and support his deportation initiatives.

He has found himself on a collision course with several Democratic state governors, who have resisted these efforts, and who say the deployments are unnecessary and risk escalating tensions. Legal cases have recently been filed in Illinois and Oregon.

As the legal battles continue, here's what to know.

The National Guard consists of primarily state-based troops that typically respond to major issues like natural disasters or large protests.