Federal Judge Reins in Trump: National Guard Control Returned to California Amid LA Protests
Los Angeles, CA – A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to relinquish control of California National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles in response to recent protests. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, effectively returns command of the troops to Governor Gavin Newsom and state officials, deeming President Trump's initial order “illegal.”
The controversy arose when President Trump, without consulting Governor Newsom, dispatched National Guard personnel to Los Angeles to quell unrest following demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Newsom subsequently requested the Guard's withdrawal, citing concerns that their presence was escalating tensions and hindering peaceful protest. Trump defied Newsom's request, maintaining control over the troops.
The lawsuit, filed by Newsom and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, argued that the President’s actions overstepped his constitutional authority. The judge agreed, stating that the President lacks the unilateral power to deploy the National Guard within a state without the state’s consent. The ruling emphasized the importance of state sovereignty and the principle of federalism.
“The Constitution vests authority over the National Guard in the states,” the judge wrote in the ruling. “While the President has certain powers related to the National Guard when it is federalized, those powers do not extend to deploying the Guard within a state without the state’s permission.”
This decision is a significant blow to the Trump administration's efforts to exert greater control over state responses to civil unrest. Legal experts suggest the ruling could have broader implications for future federal-state relations, particularly in situations involving emergency management and law enforcement.
Governor Newsom welcomed the court's decision, stating, “This is a victory for states’ rights and a recognition that the federal government cannot unilaterally deploy troops into our communities without our consent. We will continue to protect the safety and rights of all Californians.”
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to the ruling, but sources indicate that the administration is exploring its legal options. The deployment of National Guard troops in other states facing protests remains under federal control for now.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and states regarding the handling of civil unrest and the balance of power between the two branches of government. As protests continue across the nation, this legal battle is likely to have a lasting impact on how states and the federal government respond to future crises.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder of the delicate balance of power within the United States and the importance of respecting state autonomy in matters of local governance. The situation in Los Angeles is a stark example of how federal overreach can undermine trust and escalate tensions, and the court's decision reinforces the need for collaboration and respect between federal and state authorities.