Trump Retains Control of National Guard Troops in Los Angeles Despite Legal Challenges

A federal appeals court has affirmed President Trump's authority to maintain control over National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles, highlighting the tensions between federal and state leadership amidst ongoing immigration debates.

A recent ruling by a US appeals court has granted President Donald Trump the continued authority to manage National Guard troops stationed in Los Angeles, overruling objections from local officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. The deployment, which includes around 4,000 troops, was initially carried out in response to escalating protests against Trump's immigration policies. Critics, including Newsom, labeled the move as an unnecessary escalation.

The unanimous decision issued by a panel of three judges emphasized that Trump's orders to call the National Guard into service were lawful and aimed at "protecting federal personnel... [and] property." This ruling contradicts a previous decision from a lower court, which had stated Trump acted unlawfully during the mobilization process, as Judge Charles Breyer indicated that he failed to comply with established federal guidelines.

Despite the court's affirmation, the judges cautioned that Trump's deployment of the National Guard might still be subject to judicial scrutiny. Following the ruling, Trump expressed satisfaction on social media, celebrating the court's decision and framing it as a broader victory for federal oversight in safeguarding American cities.

In response, Governor Newsom condemned Trump's assertions of unchecked power, stating that the decision shows the courts will not allow the President to operate independently of legal accountability. Newsom reiterated that Trump is bound by the law and cannot exhibit authoritarian control over military resources.

The court’s ruling permits the continued presence of National Guardsmen in Los Angeles as they assist in protecting federal immigration agents and properties during enforcement operations. The presence of the National Guard, along with an additional 700 Marines ordered by Trump, parallels a historical precedent set more than 50 years ago during the civil rights movement, when federal forces were deployed without state consent.

The legal and political implications of this ruling extend beyond California, potentially affecting how federal and state authorities interact in similar future scenarios concerning law enforcement and military presence.