Appeals Court Rules Trump Retains Authority Over California National Guard Troops

President Donald Trump has been granted the authority to deploy the California National Guard amid ongoing protests against federal immigration raids, according to a ruling from a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court determined that the federal government presented a strong case indicating it would likely prevail over California’s legal challenge regarding the deployment of troops that are typically under the governor’s command.

The appeals court acknowledged that while it disagreed with the Trump administration’s view that the president’s decision was immune to judicial review, it still afforded significant deference to presidential authority in such matters. The judges noted that longstanding precedents dictate that judicial review of the president’s actions must be highly deferential. They concluded that the activation of National Guard troops was likely a lawful exercise of the president’s statutory authority.

The recent mobilization represented the first time since 1965 that a president has deployed National Guard troops without the governor’s consent. Trump and his administration argued that the protests in Los Angeles, which often erupted near federal buildings, were not sufficiently managed by local law enforcement. The court indicated that the use of the defense secretary to order troops into action during this crisis likely met the necessary procedural requirements established by law.

The ruling also reversed a temporary restraining order that had been in effect during the appeal process, suggesting that preventing the president’s order could harm public interests amid widespread protests. Consequently, Trump celebrated the court’s decision as a significant victory for his executive powers, stating its importance for public safety across the nation. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed disappointment in the ruling but also noted the court’s rejection of Trump’s assertion of unrestricted authority over the National Guard.

He emphasized the importance of legal accountability and vowed to continue challenging the president’s deployment decisions. State Attorney General Rob Bonta added that the case is far from concluded, asserting that the federalization of troops infringes on the governor’s command authority.