Fact Check: Trump Claims Court Ruling is a 'BIG WIN' for Federal Control of Cities
What We Know
On June 20, 2025, a federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump could maintain control over the National Guard troops he had deployed to Los Angeles. This decision came despite objections from local officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argued that the deployment was unwarranted and illegal. The court's unanimous ruling stated that Trump was within his rights to mobilize the National Guard to "protect federal personnel... [and] property" during protests against his immigration policies (BBC, Washington Post). Following the ruling, Trump described it as a "BIG WIN," suggesting it would set a precedent for similar federal interventions across the United States (The Hill, Newsweek).
Analysis
The appeals court's decision overturned a previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer, who had found that Trump exceeded his authority under the Constitution's 10th Amendment by deploying the National Guard without consulting the state governor. The appeals court, however, concluded that Trump's actions were likely lawful, emphasizing that the President has significant authority in matters of national security and law enforcement (Washington Post, Newsweek).
The ruling has been characterized as a potential expansion of federal power over state resources, which raises concerns about the implications for local governance and civil liberties. Governor Newsom responded critically, stating that the court's decision did not grant Trump unchecked authority over the National Guard, reinforcing that "Donald Trump is not a king and not above the law" (BBC, The Hill).
In evaluating the reliability of the sources, major news outlets such as the BBC, Washington Post, and Newsweek provide comprehensive coverage and are generally regarded as credible. The information presented is consistent across multiple reports, indicating a well-documented legal decision.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump described the court ruling as a "BIG WIN" for federal control of cities is True. The appeals court's ruling not only allowed Trump to maintain control over the National Guard in Los Angeles but also suggested a broader interpretation of presidential authority in deploying federal resources. This ruling has significant implications for the relationship between federal and state powers, particularly in the context of law enforcement and civil rights.
