The federal appeals court has recently temporarily permitted former President Donald Trump to maintain the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles to manage ongoing protests, marking a legal victory for his administration.
The ruling, issued by a three-judge panel in San Francisco, allows the federal government to retain control of California’s National Guard units while legal challenges proceed.
Court Upholds Presidential Authority
The appeals court found that Trump likely acted within his statutory powers when he federalized the National Guard, citing the Insurrection Act, which permits the president to deploy troops in cases of “rebellion” or when federal law cannot be enforced by conventional means.
However, the judges rejected the Justice Department’s argument that Trump’s decision was beyond judicial review, emphasizing that courts retain oversight over executive actions.
The panel, comprising two Trump-appointed judges and one Biden appointee, unanimously stated that while the deployment was likely lawful, the ruling does not endorse the specific activities of the federalized troops.
The case now returns to a lower court for further hearings.
California’s Opposition
California Governor Gavin Newsom and state officials have vehemently opposed the deployment, calling it an unconstitutional overreach and a “power grab.”
State lawyers argue that Trump’s move sets a dangerous precedent, allowing future presidents to bypass state authority under vague claims of rebellion.
The legal battle stems from Trump’s June 7 proclamation, which declared protests against his deportation policies as a form of “rebellion,” justifying military intervention.
Federal lawyers cited violence and threats against immigration officers, but U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer previously ruled the deployment “illegal,” questioning whether political protests alone constitute rebellion.
Next Steps
California is expected to challenge the appeals court’s decision, either by seeking a review from a larger appellate panel or appealing directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Los Angeles, where National Guard troops and Marines continue to assist in protest control, despite local leaders’ objections.
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