Trump’s National Guard Deployment Draws Legal Challenges and Criticism

President Donald Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard to Oregon is facing strong opposition and legal challenges. Following the order for 300 troops, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he will pursue legal action. This action follows a prior ruling by a federal court that blocked a similar order regarding the deployment of 200 National Guard troops in Portland. The court’s decision, which is in effect until October 18th, has fueled the current dispute. Governor Newsom criticized the president’s action as a shocking misuse of power and a direct attack on the law. Newsom posted on social media that after a Federal Court blocked Trump’s attempt to federalize the Oregon National Guard, Trump is deploying California National Guard personnel into Oregon, and the fight will continue in the courts. A White House statement confirmed the deployment, with White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson explaining that Trump was exercising his legal rights to protect federal property and personnel in response to violent incidents and attacks against law enforcement in Portland. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stated that California National Guard soldiers had arrived in Oregon. Governor Kotek criticized the move, saying that military intervention is unwarranted in Oregon, emphasizing that there is no rebellion or threat to national security. A court issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s activation of 200 Oregon National Guard troops in Portland on Saturday. The order, from U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut, who was appointed by Trump, will remain in effect until at least October 18th. The President has been in conflict with several governors and mayors over the National Guard in recent weeks. Democrats also criticized Trump’s remarks last week, when he told senior military officials that the military should use some dangerous cities in the country as training grounds for the National Guard.