Trump Keeps Command of National Guard as California’s Legal Battle Moves Ahead, Appeals Court Decides
Recent events in Los Angeles have sparked a heated debate about who should control the California National Guard.
President Donald Trump deployed thousands of National Guard troops to the city to address protests over immigration enforcement, but California’s leaders argue this move was unlawful.
A federal appeals court has now stepped in, allowing Trump to keep command of the troops while the courts sort out the dispute. What’s behind this clash, and what does it mean for California?
Why Did Trump Send the National Guard to Los Angeles?
Protests erupted in Los Angeles after Trump ordered immigration raids, leading to clashes between demonstrators and federal authorities.
On June 7, 2025, Trump federalized approximately 4,000 California National Guard troops and sent 700 U.S. Marines to the city, claiming the protests threatened federal property and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
He described the situation as a “rebellion,” justifying his decision to take control of the state’s National Guard, a move that typically requires the governor’s consent.
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly opposed this, arguing that the deployment was unnecessary and inflamed tensions.
California’s Legal Pushback
Governor Newsom, alongside California Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit against Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming the federalization violated state sovereignty and federal law.
On June 12, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled in California’s favor, stating that Trump’s actions were illegal because they bypassed Newsom and violated the Tenth Amendment, which outlines the balance of power between federal and state governments.
Breyer ordered Trump to return control of the National Guard to California by noon on June 13. However, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals quickly paused this order, allowing Trump to maintain control while the case progresses.
A hearing on June 17, 2025, saw the appeals court question whether courts can review a president’s decision to deploy troops, with some judges suggesting Trump has broad authority in such matters.
What Happens Next?
The appeals court’s latest ruling on June 19, 2025, upheld the pause on Breyer’s order, meaning the National Guard remains under Trump’s command for now.
The court rejected California’s claim that the troops’ presence escalates tensions, calling it “speculative.” Another hearing is set for June 20, 2025, in the lower court to determine whether a longer-term injunction against Trump’s control is warranted.
Newsom remains confident, stating, “The U.S. military belongs on the battlefield, not on American streets.” Meanwhile, Trump has praised the appeals court, claiming his actions saved Los Angeles from chaos.
The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how much power a president has to deploy military forces on U.S. soil, especially without state approval.
This dispute highlights a broader tension between federal authority and state rights, with California arguing that Trump’s actions undermine democratic principles.
As the case moves forward, it raises questions about the role of the military in domestic protests and whether courts can limit a president’s military decisions.
For now, Los Angeles remains a focal point of this high-stakes standoff, with both sides awaiting further court decisions.
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