Fact Check: "Trump retains control over 4,000 California National Guardsmen amid legal battle"
What We Know
On June 19, 2025, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that President Donald Trump could maintain control over approximately 4,000 members of the California National Guard. This decision came in response to a legal challenge from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argued that Trump's actions violated state sovereignty and federal law (CNN, Reuters). The court's ruling temporarily blocked a previous decision by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who had ordered Trump to relinquish control of the troops, stating that the president's deployment was illegal and exceeded his statutory authority (NPR, USA Today).
The appeals court found that Trump likely acted within his legal rights when he federalized the National Guard to ensure federal law enforcement could operate without interference during protests in Los Angeles. The court noted that incidents of violence during these protests justified the deployment (Politico, NBC News). The legal battle continues, with further hearings scheduled to address the status of the National Guard's control.
Analysis
The claim that Trump retains control over 4,000 California National Guardsmen is supported by the recent ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld his authority to federalize the troops amid unrest related to immigration enforcement. The court's decision emphasizes a "highly deferential" standard of review regarding presidential actions in this context, suggesting that the president has broad discretion to deploy the National Guard when federal law enforcement is threatened (CNN, USA Today).
However, the ruling is not without controversy. Judge Breyer's earlier decision highlighted concerns about the legality of Trump's actions, specifically regarding the requirement that a president must issue an order "through the governor" when federalizing state troops. The appeals court countered this by stating that coordination with the state's adjutant general sufficed to meet this procedural requirement (NPR, Politico). This aspect of the ruling raises questions about the interpretation of federal law and the balance of power between state and federal authorities.
The sources cited are generally reliable, including major news organizations such as CNN, NPR, and Reuters, which have a track record of accurate reporting. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, especially given the politically charged nature of the topic. The involvement of judges appointed by both Trump and Biden in the appeals court ruling indicates a level of bipartisan scrutiny, although the political implications of the case remain significant.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump retains control over 4,000 California National Guardsmen is accurate based on the recent ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court determined that Trump acted within his authority to federalize the National Guard in response to unrest, effectively blocking Governor Newsom's attempts to regain control. While the legal battle continues, the current ruling supports the assertion that Trump maintains control over these troops.
Sources
- US court lets Trump keep control of California National Guard
- An appeals court backs Trump's control of the California National Guard
- Trump can continue control of California's National Guard
- Qui est Massad Boulos, ce libanais conseiller de TRUMP
- Trump can retain control of California National Guard, court rules
- Appeals court blocks Newsom's bid to reclaim control of National Guard
- Trump zur Lage in Gaza: „Viele Menschen sind am Verhungern“
- Trump administration can keep control of California National Guard
