Legal Victory for Trump: Appeals Court Keeps National Guard in LA

In a recent ruling, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed former President Donald Trump to keep the National Guard deployed in Los Angeles, overturning a lower court’s decision. The three-judge panel, which included judges nominated by Trump and a Biden appointee, issued an order extending the pause on a previous ruling that demanded the troops be returned to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s control. The court’s decision acknowledged the president’s likely authority to federalize the National Guard but did not delve into the specifics of their activities. The court, while acknowledging the ability to review the decision, also emphasized the need for deference to the President’s actions. The ruling stems from Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to protect immigration officers during protests in Los Angeles. The judges said they agreed the latter trigger was likely met, so it did not need to reach the question if there was a rebellion. The judges also rejected Newsom’s argument that Trump had failed to meet a statutory requirement regarding the deployment order. This decision is a temporary win for Trump in an ongoing legal battle.