Fact Check: Trump Retains Control Over 4,000 California National Guardsmen Amid Legal Battle
What We Know
On June 7, 2025, President Donald Trump federalized approximately 4,000 members of the California National Guard and 700 U.S. Marines, citing the need to protect federal property and prevent interference with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during protests in Los Angeles. This decision was met with legal challenges from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argued that Trump's actions were illegal and violated state sovereignty and federal law (NPR, CNN).
A federal appeals court, specifically the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, ruled temporarily in favor of Trump, allowing him to maintain control over the National Guard troops while the legal battle continues. The court's decision overturned a previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who had ordered Trump to relinquish control, stating that the president's actions exceeded his statutory authority and violated the Tenth Amendment (Reuters, USA Today).
Analysis
The appeals court's ruling emphasized that the president has the authority to deploy National Guard troops to prevent interference with federal law enforcement. The court noted that there was a "colorable basis" for Trump's decision, as there were incidents of violence during the protests, including attacks on federal agents and property (CNN, NPR).
While the appeals court acknowledged the lower court's concerns regarding the legality of Trump's actions, it maintained that courts should defer to the president's judgment in matters of national security and law enforcement. The panel's composition, which included two judges appointed by Trump, may raise questions about potential bias, but the ruling itself was framed as a legal interpretation of the president's statutory powers (Reuters, USA Today).
Governor Newsom's legal team argued that Trump's actions were unlawful and that the presence of federal troops could escalate tensions. However, the appeals court dismissed these claims as speculative, indicating a preference for the president's interpretation of the situation (NPR, USA Today).
Conclusion
The claim that "Trump retains control over 4,000 California National Guardsmen amid legal battle" is True. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily upheld Trump's authority to maintain control over the National Guard troops, rejecting Governor Newsom's legal challenge. This ruling reflects the court's deference to presidential authority in matters of national security, despite ongoing legal disputes regarding the legality of the president's actions.
Sources
- An appeals court backs Trump's control of the California National Guard for now
- Trump can continue control of California's National Guard ... - CNN
- US court lets Trump keep control of California National Guard ...
- Appeals Court Lets Trump Keep Control of California National Guard in L ...
- Trump can retain control of California National Guard, court rules
