Appeals Court Affirms Trump’s Authority Over California National Guard
A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump can maintain control over thousands of California National Guard troops. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the Trump administration in a dispute with California Governor Gavin Newsom over the deployment and command of the Guard.
The case stemmed from Newsom’s decision in 2019 to limit the Guard’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Newsom withdrew the Guard from border enforcement duties, objecting to Trump’s policies. The Trump administration argued that the federal government has ultimate authority over the National Guard when troops are federalized.
The three-judge panel agreed, stating that the President possesses broad authority over the National Guard under the Constitution and federal law. The court found that Newsom’s actions conflicted with federal law, which gives the President the power to determine the appropriate use of the National Guard in certain circumstances.
“The Governor’s attempt to restrict the Guard’s activities was an overreach of his authority,” the ruling stated. “The President’s power to call the Guard into federal service is well-established, and the Governor cannot impede that power through state policy.”
The decision is a victory for the federal government and reinforces the President’s authority over the National Guard, especially in matters of national security and border control. It remains to be seen whether the Newsom administration will appeal the ruling further.
This ruling has implications for other states as well, clarifying the balance of power between state governors and the President regarding the National Guard. It underscores the federal government’s ability to utilize the Guard for national purposes, even when state leaders object.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the federal government and some states over immigration policy and the role of the military in border enforcement. The decision affirms the President’s power to deploy the National Guard to address these issues, regardless of state opposition.
