A federal appeals court has ruled that President Trump can continue overseeing the California National Guard’s deployment in Los Angeles, at least for now. The decision comes amid ongoing legal battles between the Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has challenged the president’s authority to send troops without the state’s consent.
The controversy began after Trump ordered the National Guard and U.S. Marines into Los Angeles in response to protests and unrest following federal immigration raids. While local leaders, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, argued that state and city law enforcement could handle the situation, the president cited the need to protect federal employees and property.
This marks the first time since 1965 that a president has federalized a state’s National Guard over a governor’s objections. The three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously agreed that Trump likely acted within his legal authority, pointing to instances where federal officers were attacked and federal buildings were damaged during the protests.
The court’s decision temporarily blocks a lower court’s order that would have returned control of the Guard to Governor Newsom. While the judges made clear that the president’s power is not unlimited, they found the administration had a reasonable basis for the deployment.
Governor Newsom expressed disappointment but welcomed the court’s acknowledgment that presidential authority is not absolute. He vowed to continue challenging what he called Trump’s “authoritarian use” of the military.
President Trump celebrated the ruling, suggesting it could set a precedent for future federal interventions if local authorities are unable to maintain order.
The legal fight is far from over. Another hearing is set for Friday, and the case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court. For now, the National Guard will remain in Los Angeles as the courts continue to weigh the balance of federal and state power.