Trump Maintains Control Over National Guard Troops Amid Local Opposition

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:49:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A US appeals court supports Trump's deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles, overriding objections from state leaders and reigniting debates on federal authority.

In a recent court ruling, President Trump has been permitted to retain control of around 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles despite protests from local officials. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the potential authoritarian implications of the decision, criticizing Trump's actions as a breach of law regarding military use against citizens.

A US appeals court has ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, allowing him to maintain control over National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles amidst protests against his immigration policies. The court's decision stands in stark contrast to the objections raised by local authorities, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who characterized the troop deployment as an unnecessary escalation in response to ongoing protests.

The ruling came from a three-judge panel that expressed that Trump had legitimate authority to deploy troops for the protection of federal personnel and property. This decision also reversed an earlier ruling from Judge Charles Breyer, who stated that Trump did not adhere to congressional laws regarding the deployment of National Guard troops, demanding an immediate return of command to the state governor.

After the ruling, Trump hailed it as a significant victory and reiterated his stance that federal troops are necessary for maintaining order, particularly in situations where local law enforcement may fall short. He emphasized the importance of federal protection during civil unrest and reiterated his administration's purpose of supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the region.

In response, Governor Newsom expressed his disappointment with the court's decision, asserting that Trump's interpretation of military authority overstepped legal boundaries. Newsom criticized the notion that the president could operate without accountability, arguing that such a power would pave the way for authoritarian governance.

The deployment includes around 4,000 National Guard members, an action that has drawn parallels to historical uses of military forces against civil rights protests more than five decades ago. The ruling has raised fresh debates about military involvement in domestic affairs, with concerns about the implications for citizens’ rights and local governance. The ongoing situation remains a focal point in the fraught landscape of national politics and immigration policy.