Fact Check: California is suing the Trump administration over unlawful National Guard deployments.

Fact Check: California is suing the Trump administration over unlawful National Guard deployments

What We Know

On June 9, 2025, California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles. The lawsuit claims that President Trump overstepped his authority by mobilizing approximately 2,000 National Guard members without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom. This action is described as unprecedented and has heightened tensions between the federal government and California, the most populous state in the U.S. (New York Times, Washington Post).

The legal argument centers on the assertion that Trump invoked a federal law allowing the president to deploy National Guard troops only under specific conditions, such as a foreign invasion or rebellion. California's Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, “There is no invasion. There is no rebellion,” emphasizing that the conditions for such a deployment do not exist (Los Angeles Times, Politico).

Analysis

The lawsuit is significant as it challenges the legal authority of the president to mobilize National Guard troops without state approval. Historically, such actions have been rare, with most presidents deferring to state governors in these matters. Legal experts, including Carl Tobias, a law professor, noted that the law invoked by Trump has not been widely tested in court, making the outcome uncertain (Los Angeles Times).

The sources providing this information are credible, including major news outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times, which have established reputations for journalistic integrity. They report on the legal and political implications of the lawsuit, as well as the broader context of federal-state relations under the Trump administration. The lawsuit has garnered support from other Democratic governors, who have expressed concern over the potential abuse of presidential power in this context (CBS News).

Conclusion

The claim that California is suing the Trump administration over unlawful National Guard deployments is True. The lawsuit is based on the assertion that the president acted beyond his legal authority by deploying troops without the governor's consent, a move that has raised significant legal and constitutional questions. The evidence from multiple reputable sources supports this conclusion, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the action and the legal challenges it faces.

Fact Check: California is suing the Trump administration over unlawful National Guard deployments.