When disaster strikes, America needs leaders who act fast. The difference between safety and chaos can come down to hours or even minutes. Throughout our nation’s history, the question of who makes these crucial decisions has often been tangled in red tape.
America’s system of government splits power between states and Washington. Governors want control of their National Guard troops. Presidents need to protect federal buildings and enforce the law. Who wins when they disagree? A major federal court just weighed in.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked a lower court order that would have forced President Trump to return control of 4,000 California National Guard troops to Governor Gavin Newsom. This decision keeps command with President Trump while the legal battle continues.
From ‘Breitbart News’:
The 9th Circuit, in temporarily granting that request, scheduled a hearing for Tuesday. A three-judge panel of the appellate court will consider arguments then on whether to extend a stay of Breyer’s order, or allow his ruling to take effect.
The case stems from Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize California National Guard members without Newsom’s consent—the first time in U.S. history a president has taken such action. Trump also mobilized approximately 700 U.S. Marines to respond to violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, where burning cars and smashed storefronts threatened public safety.
Presidential Authority in Crisis
Trump defended his decisive action, explaining his rationale was based on past experiences with civil unrest. “I’ve been here before… I waited for governors to say ‘Send in the National Guard.’ They wouldn’t do it,” Trump stated. “I said to myself, ‘If that stuff happens again, we’ve got to make faster decisions.'”
The president made his position clear: “This won’t be the Summer of Love all over again.” His reference recalls previous riots where delayed responses led to millions in property damage and endangered American lives.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer had previously ruled Trump’s action “illegal” but stayed his order to allow the Trump administration time to appeal—which they promptly did.
Legal Battle Lines
The White House strongly rejected the district court’s original ruling, calling it “unprecedented” and arguing it “puts our brave federal officials in danger.”
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the president’s actions in a statement: “The district court has no authority to usurp the President’s authority as Commander in Chief. The President exercised his lawful authority to mobilize the National Guard to protect federal buildings and personnel in Gavin Newsom’s lawless Los Angeles.”
The legal question centers on when a president can take control of state National Guard units—typically under governor control unless troops are federalized for national emergencies or to enforce federal laws.
Protecting Federal Interests
The temporary ruling by the 9th Circuit doesn’t mean the court will ultimately agree with Trump’s position. A full hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, where a three-judge panel will consider whether to extend the stay or allow Judge Breyer’s ruling to take effect.
The case highlights the tension between state and federal authority during civil unrest. Trump’s supporters praise his willingness to act decisively when local officials hesitate, while critics argue he overstepped constitutional boundaries.
For now, the federal court has preserved presidential authority, allowing Trump to maintain command of National Guard troops in a state experiencing significant unrest. The president claims his quick action “stopped tremendous destruction and death” in Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump maintains control of California National Guard despite Governor Newsom’s objections
- 9th Circuit Court temporarily blocked a lower court’s attempt to return troops to state control
- Trump cited lessons from past riots where governors delayed National Guard deployment
- White House argues the President has constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief during crises
Sources: Breitbart
