Fact Check: Trump claims court ruling is a 'BIG WIN' for federal protection powers
What We Know
On June 19, 2025, President Donald Trump celebrated a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that allowed him to maintain control over the California National Guard, which had been deployed to Los Angeles amid protests against his immigration policies. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump referred to the decision as a “BIG WIN,” asserting that it affirmed his authority to deploy federal troops when necessary for public safety (Washington Post, PBS). The court's ruling temporarily halted a previous decision by a lower court that had found Trump's actions illegal due to the lack of consent from California Governor Gavin Newsom (PBS).
The appeals court concluded that Trump likely acted within his legal authority, citing significant unrest and violence during the protests, which included attacks on federal officers and property (PBS, Newsweek). The ruling has implications for the extent of presidential power in deploying the National Guard without state approval, a practice not seen since 1965 (PBS).
Analysis
The claim that Trump characterized the court ruling as a "BIG WIN" is substantiated by multiple sources. Trump's own statements on Truth Social and reports from reputable news outlets confirm that he celebrated the ruling, framing it as a validation of his federal powers (Washington Post, The Hill).
However, the context of the ruling is critical. While the court allowed Trump to retain control of the National Guard, it also indicated that the president does not have unfettered authority to deploy state troops without oversight. Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) noted that the court asserted its right to review such decisions, countering the notion that Trump could act without accountability (PBS). This suggests that while Trump views the ruling as a victory, it also highlights ongoing legal and political challenges regarding the deployment of military resources domestically.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the Washington Post and PBS being established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. Newsweek, while generally reliable, has faced scrutiny in the past, but in this instance, it corroborates the claims made by other reputable outlets.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Trump's assertion that the court ruling is a "BIG WIN" for federal protection powers is accurate. The ruling indeed allows him to maintain control over the National Guard in Los Angeles, which he interprets as a validation of his authority. However, the ruling also implies limitations on presidential power, as the court retains the ability to review such decisions, indicating a complex legal landscape surrounding the use of the National Guard.
