Trump Maintains Control of National Guard Amid Legal Challenges

In a recent ruling, a US appeals court confirmed President Donald Trump’s authority to maintain control over approximately 4,000 National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles. This decision was made despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and local city officials who deemed the deployment unnecessary and provocative amidst ongoing protests regarding immigration policies.

The dispute began after Trump mobilized the troops to secure federal personnel and property during immigration enforcement actions. Local leaders had argued that the federal intervention infringed upon state rights and unnecessarily escalated tensions. Although a previous ruling indicated that Trump may have acted outside his legal authority, the appeals court unanimously concluded that the President’s actions were within his rights, stating, “His failure to issue the federalisation order directly ‘through’ the Governor of California does not limit his otherwise lawful authority.”

Following the ruling, Trump proclaimed it a "big win," asserting the need for federal support in situations where local law enforcement may be overwhelmed. His administration defended the presence of the National Guard, indicating their role in safeguarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during contentious raids across the city, despite widespread public outcry. Newsom responded strongly to the ruling, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances, and maintaining that Trump's actions should not be above judicial scrutiny. The conflict highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities in managing immigration and public safety.