The battle between states and the federal government never seems to end. For decades, governors and presidents have fought over who gets the final say on important matters. When a Democratic governor faces off with a Republican president, the sparks really start to fly.

But sometimes the most surprising twists come from unexpected places. Courts that usually lean one way suddenly rule another way. People who normally disagree find themselves on the same side. And that’s when things get really interesting.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals – often called the most liberal court in America – just handed President Trump a major victory. On Thursday, the court ruled that Trump can keep National Guard troops in Los Angeles despite California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections.

From ‘The Post Millennial’:

Writing for the appellate panel, Judge Mark J. Bennett acknowledged that while presidential authority in these cases is not “unreviewable,” it remains substantial and deserving of respect by the courts. “Our review of that decision must be highly deferential,” Bennett wrote, citing decades of precedent that support the executive’s discretion in addressing domestic disturbances.

The court’s decision was unanimous, with all three judges agreeing that Trump had the legal right to federalize the National Guard. What makes this ruling even more remarkable is that the panel included two Trump appointees (Judges Mark Bennett and Eric Miller) and one Biden appointee (Judge Jennifer Sung).

The ruling overturned a lower court decision by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who had earlier tried to put Newsom back in control of the Guard troops.

A Rare Use of Presidential Power

This case started when Trump deployed California’s National Guard to Los Angeles on June 7 without Newsom’s permission. The troops were sent to protect federal property following protests where some demonstrators threw rocks, concrete blocks, and Molotov cocktails.

The court stated that “it is likely that the President lawfully exercised his statutory authority under § 12406(3), which authorizes federalization of the National Guard when the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”

This marks the first time since 1965 that the National Guard has been activated without a governor’s permission. Back then, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to protect civil rights marchers in Alabama.

Trump Celebrates While Newsom Fumes

President Trump didn’t hide his excitement about the ruling. On Truth Social, he wrote: “BIG WIN in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on the President’s core power to call in the National Guard!” He called Governor Newsom “incompetent and ill prepared” and praised the 9th Circuit, saying “America is proud of you tonight!”

Newsom, meanwhile, promised to keep fighting. “We will not let this authoritarian use of military soldiers against citizens go unchecked,” he posted. California Attorney General Rob Bonta also expressed disappointment, calling Trump’s actions an “unprecedented and unlawful federalization” of the state’s National Guard.

A Victory for Law and Order

While the legal battle continues, the court’s decision means National Guard troops will remain in Los Angeles, providing what the primary source called “a stabilizing presence” as the situation develops.

The judges rejected the extreme argument that courts can never review a president’s decision to federalize the National Guard. Instead, they found a middle ground – presidents have substantial power, but courts should be “highly deferential” when reviewing such decisions.

For many Americans concerned about safety and security, the ruling represents a win for common sense. When violence threatens federal property and local authorities struggle to maintain order, the president must have the tools to restore peace.

This surprising decision from the typically liberal 9th Circuit suggests that even in our divided times, the principles of law and order can sometimes transcend political boundaries. As this case likely heads to the Supreme Court, Americans will be watching closely to see how the balance of power between states and the federal government continues to evolve.

Key Takeaways

• The 9th Circuit Court unanimously upheld Trump’s authority to deploy National Guard troops in California
• This marks the first federalization of National Guard without governor consent since 1965
• The ruling respects presidential power while still affirming court oversight of executive decisions
• California officials vow to continue legal challenges, likely taking the case to the Supreme Court

Sources: The Post Millennial, KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco