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Appeals Court Allows Trump to Keep Control of National Guard Troops in Los Angeles

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

An appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling, allowing President Donald Trump to maintain control of National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles following protests over immigration raids. The decision halts a ruling that found Trump acted illegally when he activated the soldiers over opposition from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The deployment was the first by a president of a state National Guard without the governor's permission since 1965.

The appeals court concluded that Trump likely lawfully exercised his authority in federalizing control of the guard, citing violent acts by protesters as justification. The court found that even if the federal government failed to notify the governor of California before federalizing the National Guard, Newsom had no power to veto the president's order. The ruling means control of the California National Guard will stay in federal hands as the lawsuit continues to unfold.

Key Takeaways:

  • The appeals court unanimously concluded that President Trump likely lawfully exercised his authority in federalizing control of the National Guard in Los Angeles.
  • The court cited violent acts by protesters, including pinning down federal officers, throwing objects, and damaging federal buildings, as justification for Trump's actions.
  • The appeals court found that even if the federal government failed to notify Governor Newsom before federalizing the National Guard, Newsom had no power to veto the president's order.
  • The ruling means control of the California National Guard will stay in federal hands as the lawsuit continues to unfold.
  • President Trump celebrated the decision on his Truth Social platform, calling it a "BIG WIN."
  • Governor Newsom expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that the president is not a king and is not above the law.

Statistics:

  • The deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles was the first by a president of a state National Guard without the governor's permission since 1965.
  • 2 judges on the appeals panel were appointed by President Trump during his first term.
  • The protests have been ongoing, with protesters engaging in violent acts, including pinning down federal officers, throwing objects, and damaging federal buildings.

Sources:

  • AP News: "Appeals Court Allows Trump to Keep Control of National Guard Troops in Los Angeles"
  • The Associated Press: "US appeals court lets Trump keep control of National Guard"

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