Trump Hails Court Win as National Guard Dispute with California Continues
Second hearing before District Judge Breyer is pending
President Trump scored a victory late Thursday when the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily upheld his federalization of California’s National Guard. The decision allows him to continue commanding troops deployed to Los Angeles during recent immigration‑raid protests.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump celebrated the ruling as a “BIG WIN,” saying Gov. Gavin Newsom is an “incompetent Governor” who is “doing a terrible job.” He stressed that the federal government retains the right to intervene when local forces fall short.
The showdown began when Newsom sued, saying the deployment was illegal and violated his authority. In mid‑June, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer agreed, citing the Tenth Amendment and asserting that Los Angeles protests didn’t amount to rebellion. But this verdict was swiftly stayed by the three‑judge Ninth Circuit panel—two Trump appointees and one Biden appointee—who found it "likely" Trump lawfully invoked Title 10 powers as federal law enforcement faced threats.
The Appellate Court emphasized its decision is limited to whether Trump had statutory authority—not how or where the Guard may act. It also rejected the administration’s bid to close off judicial scrutiny, affirming that courts can still review such federal actions,
California officials vowed to keep fighting. In a statement, Gov. Newsom wrote, “The President is not a king and is not above the law…We will press forward with our challenge to President Trump’s authoritarian use of U.S. military soldiers against citizens.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the deployment, contending the troops were "props" in a city that didn’t need them. Last week, she accused Trump's team of a “deliberate attempt to create disorder and chaos in our city,” saying local law enforcement had the situation in hand.
Judge Breyer is now set to hold another hearing Friday to consider a permanent injunction and whether the deployment may breach the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars federal military from domestic policing. Should he rule against the President again, another appeal will no doubt quickly follow.
Alabamians will recall that federalizing the National Guard without the Governor‘s approval occurred in the Yellowhammer State in the 1960s, in support of the Civil Rights Movement and desegregation.
The full decision of the Ninth Circuit Court is available HERE.
