Fact Check: "The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a federal judge's order that directed Trump to return control of National Guard troops to California."
What We Know
The claim that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a federal judge's order regarding the control of National Guard troops in California is accurate. On June 12, 2025, the appeals court issued a stay on a ruling from U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer, who had ordered President Donald Trump to return control of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Judge Breyer's ruling stated that Trump's actions were illegal, exceeding his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (AP News, Washington Post). The appeals court's decision to block this order was made to maintain the status quo while the case was further reviewed (New York Times, PBS).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as multiple reputable sources confirm the appeals court's action. The 9th Circuit's decision to stay Judge Breyer's order was described as a temporary measure pending further review, which is a common judicial practice in cases involving significant legal questions (CNN, ABC News).
Judge Breyer's original ruling criticized the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops, asserting that it was an unlawful militarization of Los Angeles in response to protests, and that the federal government should not override state authority in such matters (The Hill). The appeals court's panel, which included judges appointed by both Trump and Biden, did not provide detailed reasoning for their stay, but their action indicates a judicial inclination to carefully consider the implications of federal military involvement in state matters.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-established news organizations, which generally adhere to journalistic standards of accuracy and objectivity. However, the political context surrounding the case may introduce some bias in how different outlets report on the implications of the ruling.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a federal judge's order directing President Trump to return control of National Guard troops to California is true. The appeals court's decision to stay the lower court's ruling reflects ongoing legal disputes regarding the authority of the federal government versus state control over National Guard troops, particularly in the context of domestic unrest.
Sources
- Appeals court temporarily blocks judge's ruling to return control of ...
- Appeals court says Trump can keep California National Guard deployed ...
- What's Next for Trump and the National Guard in California After Court ...
- Appeals court temporarily blocks judge's ruling to return control of ...
- Appeals court pauses ruling requiring Trump to return control of ...
- Appeals court delays order blocking Trump National Guard deployment in ...
- Appeals court temporarily lifts judge's block on Trump's National Guard ...
- Trump can keep California National Guard deployed for now, appeals ...