Fact Check: "U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled on June 11, 2025, that President Trump's deployment of the National Guard was illegal and violated the Tenth Amendment."
What We Know
On June 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles was illegal. The judge stated that the deployment "both exceeded the scope of his statutory authority and violated the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution" (AP News, Washington Post). This ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who sought to block the federal government's use of the National Guard in immigration raids during protests in Los Angeles (PBS).
Judge Breyer's ruling specifically noted that the situation in Los Angeles did not meet the legal definition of a "rebellion," which is one of the conditions under which the president can deploy National Guard troops under Title 10 of the U.S. Code (AP News, Democracy Docket). The judge emphasized that the right to protest is a fundamental First Amendment right, and the actions taken by the federal government were not justified by the circumstances on the ground (AP News).
Analysis
The ruling by Judge Breyer has been widely reported and is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, Washington Post, and PBS have all confirmed the details of the ruling, including the judge's reasoning regarding the Tenth Amendment and the statutory authority of the president (AP News, Washington Post, PBS).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The legal analysis provided by Judge Breyer is also significant because it reflects a judicial perspective on the limits of executive power, particularly in relation to state authority and the deployment of military forces within the U.S.
The Trump administration's response, which characterized the ruling as an "extraordinary intrusion" on presidential authority, indicates a contentious legal battle ahead. However, the judge's ruling stands as a clear legal interpretation of the situation, emphasizing the importance of state rights under the Tenth Amendment (Washington Post, Democracy Docket).
In summary, the evidence supports the claim that Judge Breyer ruled the deployment illegal and in violation of constitutional provisions, making the claim credible and substantiated.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled on June 11, 2025, that President Trump's deployment of the National Guard was illegal and violated the Tenth Amendment is accurate. The ruling was based on the judge's interpretation of both statutory authority and constitutional rights, and it has been confirmed by multiple reputable sources.
