A US appeals court has ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, allowing him to maintain control over National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles to quell protests against immigration raids. The decision overturns a lower court judge’s ruling that found Trump acted illegally by activating the soldiers without the permission of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The appeals court concluded that Trump lawfully exercised his authority in federalizing control of the guard, citing violent acts by protesters, including attacks on federal officers and damage to federal buildings. The court emphasized the federal government’s significant interest in preventing such incidents. Newsom had argued that Trump’s move inflamed tensions, usurped local authority, and wasted resources, but the court.
The decision means control of the California National Guard will remain in federal hands as the lawsuit continues. Newsom expressed disappointment but welcomed the court’s rejection of Trump’s claim that he has unfettered power to seize control of a state’s guard. The governor stated that the president is not a king and is not above the law, indicating that California will press forward with its challenge to Trump’s use of the National Guard.
