A federal appeals court in San Francisco has temporarily blocked a lower court’s ruling that would have stripped President Trump of control over California’s National Guard. The decision allows Trump to continue deploying these troops in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests while Governor Gavin Newsom’s lawsuit—which argues the president’s use of the guard is unlawful—works its way through the courts.

A federal appeals court has ruled that President Trump can maintain control over California National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles, overturning a lower court's decision that said he overstepped his authority by federalizing state forces during protests.

A federal appeals court has ruled that President Trump can maintain authority over National Guard troops sent to Los Angeles amid protests sparked by immigration raids. The decision keeps the deployment under federal rather than state control, a point of contention as tensions flare between local and federal officials.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about troop deployments—it’s a power struggle. The ruling underscores the friction between Trump’s administration and local governments over who calls the shots in crisis response. For LA, it means federal oversight of military presence during volatile protests, raising questions about autonomy and escalation. It’s a snapshot of the broader tug-of-war between Washington and cities on hot-button issues like immigration and policing.

A federal appeals court ruled that President Trump has the legal authority to command California’s National Guard troops, even as tensions flare over immigration raids and protests against federal law enforcement. The decision reinforces presidential power over state-controlled guard units during federal deployments.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about who controls the Guard—it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing tug-of-war between federal and state power. With California frequently clashing with the Trump administration on immigration and other policies, the ruling sets a precedent for how much say states really have when the feds want to step in. For now, the White House holds the cards.

A federal appeals court has ruled that President Trump retains the authority to deploy the National Guard in California, even if state and local officials object. The decision comes amid an ongoing legal battle over the limits of presidential power in domestic military deployments.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Trump or California—it’s a bigger tug-of-war over who gets the final say when federal and state leaders clash on military deployments. The ruling could set a precedent for how much control presidents have over National Guard units during crises, from natural disasters to civil unrest. It’s a legal gray area with real-world consequences for how emergencies are handled.