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Court Lets Trump Retain Control of California Guard Amid LA Protest Dispute
A U.S. court allows Trump to keep control of California’s National Guard amid LA protests. Newsom vows to keep fighting: “The president is not a king.”
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-20
Court Lets Trump Retain Control of California Guard Amid LA Protest Dispute

A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that former President Donald Trump can maintain control over California’s National Guard, at least temporarily, amid ongoing legal and political battles surrounding his controversial decision to deploy military forces during mass protests in Los Angeles.

The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals pauses an earlier decision by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who had ruled that Trump’s June 7 federalization of the National Guard was unlawful and ordered the return of authority to Governor Gavin Newsom.

The appeals court panel, including two Trump appointees and one Biden appointee, stated that Trump likely acted within his constitutional authority and had at least partially coordinated with the state before taking control. However, the panel also clarified that it was not ruling on whether the National Guard’s specific activities in Los Angeles are lawful, especially in relation to potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars federal troops from engaging in civilian law enforcement.

🔍 Background: Why the Guard Was Federalized

Trump’s deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles came amid widespread civil unrest sparked by his administration’s immigration raids. Protesters clashed with federal agents, vandalized property, and threw Molotov cocktails at government vehicles, according to the Justice Department.

While Trump’s supporters saw the move as necessary to restore order, critics called it a dangerous overreach of executive power. Governor Newsom sued Trump on June 9, arguing that the president violated state sovereignty and misused the National Guard for purposes outside the limits set by law.

Judge Breyer agreed, ruling that Trump failed to properly coordinate with the governor and that the statutory conditions for federalizing the Guard — such as a “rebellion” or “invasion” — were not met. The ruling temporarily halted Trump’s authority, but was immediately stayed by the appellate court.

🏛️ Legal Debate Continues

During oral arguments this week, appellate judges grilled both sides on how far presidential powers extend during times of domestic unrest. The court disagreed with the Justice Department’s assertion that a president’s emergency declaration is beyond judicial review, but still leaned toward allowing Trump’s move based on the severity of the protests.

However, the court emphasized that Newsom can continue to challenge the deployment of troops — particularly the Marines — under other laws, and that his arguments could be heard at a further court hearing scheduled before Judge Breyer on Friday.

📣 Political Reactions

Reacting to the court’s decision, Governor Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“The president is not a king and is not above the law. We will press forward with our challenge to President Trump’s authoritarian use of U.S. military soldiers against our citizens.”

Trump, on Truth Social, celebrated the ruling:

“This is a great decision for our country. We will continue to protect and defend law-abiding Americans. If our people need protection, we will provide it — no matter what Gavin says.”

The legal battle has reignited national debate over presidential power, state sovereignty, and the appropriate role of the military in domestic affairs — issues likely to remain at the forefront as the 2024 election season unfolds.

 
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