A recent ruling from a US appeals court has confirmed that President Donald Trump maintains control over National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles. This decision comes despite significant pushback from local leaders and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who described the deployment as an "unnecessary provocation." The troops were mobilized in response to large-scale protests against Trump's immigration crackdown.
On Thursday, a three-judge panel determined that Trump was justified in his order, aimed at "protecting federal personnel... [and] property." This ruling overturns an earlier decision by Judge Charles Breyer, who stated that Trump's actions were illegal as they did not comply with the congressional protocols for deploying a state's National Guard. Judge Breyer had mandated that control of the California National Guard be reverted to the state governor.
The appeals court's judgment allows for Trump's continued oversight, insisting that his failure to issue the federalization order in consultation with the California governor does not undermine his lawful authority to activate the troops. In a statement celebrating the decision on social media, Trump framed it as a significant victory, emphasizing its broader implications across the United States for protecting communities when local law enforcement may fall short.
Governor Newsom criticized the court's ruling, insisting that it undermined accountability by suggesting that the President could unilaterally direct military forces without judicial scrutiny. He affirmed his commitment to counter what he termed an authoritarian use of military power against citizens, reiterating that "Donald Trump is not a king and not above the law."
This legal endorsement allows for up to 4,000 National Guard troops to remain in Los Angeles, where they are reportedly assisting in shielding federal immigration agents and property during ongoing enforcement activities against individuals suspected of illegal residency. The deployment also includes around 700 Marines ordered by Trump, provoking further discontent from California's leadership. Historically, the National Guard last witnessed such unilateral deployment without a governor's consent during the civil rights movement more than five decades ago.
