Judge weighs Trump’s authority to deploy National Guard in California

During a hearing on Thursday, a federal judge raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard in response to anti-immigration enforcement protests and riots in Los Angeles County, California. Judge Charles Breyer, a Clinton appointee, questioned whether Trump had followed the law when activating the National Guard and compared the situation to a monarchy.

Breyer emphasized that the United States is not ruled by a king and that presidential power has limits. He pointed out that the president’s authority is constrained by the law, preventing him from acting as a monarch. The judge did not make any immediate decisions during the hearing but indicated that a ruling could come soon.

The Department of Justice, represented by Brett Shumate, argued that the courts do not have the authority to review Trump’s use of Title 10, which outlines the mechanisms for federalizing National Guard members. Shumate contended that governors’ consent is not explicitly required in the law, even though presidents typically activate the National Guard with a governor’s approval.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who opposed Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, filed a lawsuit challenging the president’s actions. Newsom’s attorneys argued that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth overstepped their authority and violated Title 10 by bypassing the governor. They claimed that there was no rebellion or insurrection that warranted federal intervention.

After Trump’s proclamation, protests and riots escalated in Los Angeles, with demonstrators setting cars on fire, looting stores, and assaulting law enforcement officers. Newsom criticized the president for exacerbating the situation and worsening the unrest in the city.

The legal battle between Trump and Newsom highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and states over law enforcement and national security issues. As the case unfolds, the court will need to carefully consider the constitutional limits of presidential power and the balance of authority between the federal government and individual states.