Fact Check: Appeals court rejects California's argument that Trump violated federal law
What We Know
The claim revolves around a recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding President Trump's control over the California National Guard. The court ruled that Trump could maintain control of the National Guard troops in Los Angeles, effectively allowing him to federalize these troops without immediate judicial oversight. This ruling came after a lower court had previously found that Trump's actions violated the law and ordered the return of control to the state of California (source-1, source-3).
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed disappointment with the ruling, emphasizing that the court's decision does not grant Trump the authority to act without judicial scrutiny (source-2). The Ninth Circuit's decision to stay the lower court's order indicates that while the appeal process is ongoing, the legality of Trump's actions remains contested.
Analysis
The Ninth Circuit's ruling does not outright reject the argument that Trump violated federal law; rather, it temporarily allows him to maintain control of the National Guard while the appeal is considered. This nuance is critical. The appeals court's decision effectively puts a hold on the lower court's ruling that had found Trump's actions to be illegal, suggesting that the legal battle is far from over (source-5, source-6).
The credibility of the sources reporting on this issue varies. The Ninth Circuit's official ruling is a primary source and provides direct insight into the legal reasoning behind the court's decision (source-1). Newsom's statements, while reflecting the state's position, are secondary sources that may carry political bias (source-2). Media outlets like NPR and The Washington Post provide analysis and context but may also exhibit bias depending on their editorial stance (source-3, source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that the appeals court rejected California's argument that Trump violated federal law is Partially True. While the court did allow Trump to maintain control over the National Guard for the time being, it did not definitively rule that his actions were lawful. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the final outcome remains uncertain. Thus, the claim oversimplifies a complex legal situation that involves ongoing litigation and differing interpretations of federal law.
Sources
- PDF For Publication Filed
- Governor Newsom vows to keep fighting as federal court ...
- An appeals court backs Trump's control of the California ...
- What's Next for Trump and the National Guard in California After Court ...
- Appeals court blocks earlier ruling, allows Trump to command California ...
- Trump can keep National Guard in Los Angeles, appeals ...
- Trump administration can keep control of California National Guard ...
