Appeals court restores Trump’s control of California National Guard: What’s next?

A federal appeals court has restored President Trump's control over the California National Guard after a lower court ruled his deployment of troops during protests in Los Angeles was illegal.

The dispute began when President Trump mobilized thousands of California National Guard members amid protests over immigration raids, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom and the state to sue. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer ruled that Trump had acted illegally, exceeding his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment by seizing control of the Guard without authorization.

"His actions were illegalboth exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution," Breyer wrote.

Governor Newsom hailed the initial ruling as "a win for all Americans" and a "test of democracy", emphasizing that "the military belongs on the battlefield, not on our city streets."

California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the decision as "an important step forward in protecting our communities and our rights" and criticized the Trump administration for federalizing 4,000 troops without Newsom's authorization.

However, the federal appeals court quickly granted an administrative stay, reversing the lower court's order and restoring Trump's control over the Guard. Trump welcomed the ruling, tweeting that the decision allowed him to keep Los Angeles safe and prevent the city from "burning to the ground."

The legal battle highlights tensions over presidential authority and state rights amid civil unrest, with the appeals court's ruling temporarily allowing the president to maintain command of the National Guard in California.

This case remains a significant test of the balance of power between federal and state governments during times of domestic crisis.

Key quotes:
"The court just confirmed what we all know  the military belongs on the battlefield, not on our city streets," - Gov. Gavin Newsom
"The Trump administration had no right to federalize 4,000 California National Guard troops without authorization from Governor Newsom," - California Attorney General Rob Bonta
"If I didnt send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now. We saved L.A. Thank you for the Decision!!!" - President Donald Trump

Key stats:
- 4,000 California National Guard troops federalized without state authorization
- 36-page ruling by Judge Charles R. Breyer
- Appeals court granted administrative stay reversing lower court order

A federal appeals court restored President Trump's control over the California National Guard after a lower court ruled his deployment during Los Angeles protests was illegal. Governor Newsom had sued, arguing the president exceeded authority. Trump hailed the ruling as crucial to maintaining order amid unrest.