Newsom claims partial victory despite court allowing Trump’s Guard control

In a recent development, Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his disappointment with the Ninth Circuit Court’s decision to allow President Trump to retain control of the California National Guard. Despite this setback, Newsom highlighted one aspect of the ruling as a victory, emphasizing that Trump is not above the law.

In a statement posted on X, the Democratic governor asserted, “The court rightly rejected Trump’s claim that he can do whatever he wants with the National Guard and not have to explain himself to a court. The President is not a king and is not above the law.” Newsom further reiterated his stance in a press release, vowing to continue challenging Trump’s authoritarian use of U.S. military forces against citizens.

The court’s rejection of Trump’s assertion that he can federalize the California National Guard without judicial oversight was hailed by Newsom as a crucial check on presidential overreach. The governor, along with Attorney General Rob Bonta, remains committed to holding the president accountable for what they perceive as violations of federal law in using the military for domestic law enforcement.

However, despite Newsom’s claims of victory, the Ninth Circuit Court’s unanimous ruling allowed President Trump to maintain control of National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles to address riots during protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision marks the first time since 1965 that a president of a state National Guard has deployed troops without the governor’s consent.

While Newsom considers the ruling a win, the ongoing conflict underscores the power struggle between state and federal authorities. The court’s decision, which upheld Trump’s authority over the National Guard, highlights the complex dynamics of governance and the limits of executive power.

In conclusion, the legal battle between Newsom and Trump over National Guard control continues to unfold, underscoring the importance of checks and balances in a democratic system. As the political landscape evolves, it is essential to uphold the rule of law and respect the principles of accountability and transparency in governance.