Court backs Trump’s control of National Guard amid Los Angeles immigration protests
US court rules Trump can maintain federal control over 4,000 National Guard troops despite Newsom’s objections.
A federal appeals court has ruled in President Donald Trump's favor, allowing him to retain control of National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles. The decision comes in response to the increased tensions surrounding Trump's immigration policy and the use of military troops in domestic operations.
Despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials, the court said Trump was acting within his legal authority in deploying troops to protect federal property and personnel during massive protests. The ruling effectively blocks an earlier order for control of the Guard to be returned to the state.
Court overrules lower judge’s order
A three-judge panel overruled a lower court decision that had ruled Trump's mobilization of California's National Guard illegal. The earlier ruling had argued the president bypassed legal procedure by not going through the governor to coordinate the mobilization.
However, the appeals court ruled that Trump's silence did not cancel out his prerogative, proclaiming his action as constitutionally valid. Although the court did not agree with the contention that Trump's deployment was free from judicial review, it did not find any basis to reverse the federalization.
Political fallout and legal implications
President Trump praised the ruling as great news, stating it affirmed the federal government's mission to ensure public safety when state and local authorities are not sufficient. At X, he welcomed the court decision and noted the worth of national leadership in moments of civil discontent.
Governor Newsom, though, condemned the outcome, issuing a warning of dangerous precedent. He condemned Trump for behavior that is authoritarian and vowed to go on with legal resistance, indicating that the use of the military would have to be brought to book by the judiciary.
