Trump Administration Retreats in Lawsuit Over National Guard Deployment
The Trump administration has backed off its effort to block a court order returning control of National Guard troops in Los Angeles to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. This decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Illinois, which cast doubt on the administration’s legal theory for using the National Guard in domestic law enforcement operations.
In a brief filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Tuesday, Justice Department lawyers stated that they no longer oppose lifting a partial administrative stay and formally withdrew their request to keep the troops under federal control while the appeal proceeds. This move removes a major procedural obstacle to enforcing the lower court’s ruling, which ordered the return of command of the remaining federalized troops to Newsom.
Background of the Case
The case began when the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell unrest over immigration enforcement. The administration argued that once federalized, Guard troops could remain under the president’s command indefinitely and that courts had no authority to review their deployment. However, U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer ruled that the president had illegally seized control of California’s National Guard and ordered that command be returned to Newsom.
Court records show that roughly 300 California troops remain under federal control, including 100 who were still active in Los Angeles as of earlier this month. The decision could mark a turning point in a contentious legal fight over Trump’s use of state National Guard troops, with similar disputes involving Guard deployments in Oregon and Illinois moving through the courts.
Implications and Reactions
Newsom welcomed the Trump administration’s retreat, stating that “this admission by Trump and his cabinet members means this illegal intimidation tactic will finally come to an end.” He added that he is looking forward to the 9th Circuit making an official ruling that would return the California National Guard to state service.
Members of Congress have also begun scrutinizing the deployments, raising concerns about civil liberties and the growing use of military forces in civilian settings. The case highlights the ongoing debate over the president’s authority to deploy armed forces inside U.S. cities and the balance of power between state and federal governments.
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