Court Upholds Trump's Authority to Federalize National Guard in California Amid Protests
A US appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump legally exercised his statutory authority by federalizing and deploying the National Guard in California in response to protests in Los Angeles. The ruling comes from a three-judge panel that, while disagreeing with the White House's stance that the President's decision is completely insulated from judicial review, ultimately determined that Trump likely acted within his legal rights. This decision has overturned a previously established temporary restraining order, granting Trump control over the National Guard troops.
In his reaction to the court's ruling, Trump celebrated the outcome on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it a "great victory." He took the opportunity to critique Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he mockingly referred to as "Gavin Newscum," asserting that the court acknowledged the Governor's incompetence in managing the situation. Trump emphasized the need for federal protection, stating, "if our cities and our people need protection, we are the ones who will provide it if State and Local Police cannot for any reason fulfill their job."
Despite the unfavorable ruling for his administration, Newsom expressed relief that the court denied Trump's claim that there would be no judicial review of his decision to federalize the National Guard. He indicated that there was still more to be fought in this legal battle.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta shared his disappointment regarding the suspension of the temporary restraining order pending the federal government's appeal, arguing that Trump overstepped his authority with the federalization of the California National Guard and the military deployment in local communities. Bonta emphasized that this case is far from over and continues to raise serious concerns about the balance of power between state and federal authorities.
The ruling has significant implications amid ongoing protests and tensions in various cities across the United States, putting the spotlight on the dynamics of federal authority and local governance. As both sides prepare for potential further legal battles, the reactions highlight the deeply polarized landscape surrounding national security and state rights.
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