The deployment, which included thousands of National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines, was ordered by Trump in response to protests triggered by intensified federal immigration raids. The move faced opposition from state and city officials, including Newsom, who argued the action was unlawful.
A lower court had earlier ruled that Trump must return control of the California National Guard to the state. However, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals unanimously overturned that decision, stating Trump acted within his constitutional powers when he federalized 4,000 Guard members for 60 days to protect federal personnel and property. “Affording appropriate deference to the President’s determination, we conclude that he likely acted within his authority,” the panel wrote in its 38-page judgment.
Celebrating the ruling, Trump posted on Truth Social, calling it a “BIG WIN,” and said, “If our cities and our people need protection, we are the ones to give it to them.”
California had argued that the order was invalid because it bypassed the governor. However, the court clarified that while the order did not pass through the governor, it did not violate Trump’s legal authority to activate the Guard. Still, the judges rejected the notion that presidential decisions to federalize the Guard are beyond judicial review.
In response, Governor Newsom insisted that Trump is “not a king and not above the law.” He stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We will not let this authoritarian use of military soldiers against citizens go unchecked,” vowing to continue legal resistance.
The state could seek a rehearing or escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The court’s decision comes amid heightened unrest in Los Angeles, which has become a flashpoint in Trump’s national immigration enforcement campaign. The city has experienced mostly peaceful protests with some violent outbreaks, including vandalism, looting, clashes with police, and the torching of driverless vehicles.
Recent federal raids have focused on migrant workers in sectors like garment manufacturing and car washes, with additional sweeps reportedly targeting Home Depot parking lots where day laborers gather.
Despite criticism, Trump insisted the federal intervention was necessary, claiming the city was losing control. According to the New York Times, two judges on the panel were appointed by Trump and the third by President Joe Biden.
The case marks the first time since 1965 that a sitting U.S. president has deployed the National Guard against the will of a state governor.
