A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must end its deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles and return control of the California National Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Background: National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles
About 100 National Guard members remained in Los Angeles after Trump first federalized roughly 4,000 troops in June 2025 to manage protests over deportation raids. Most of the troops have since been released, but a small group had their deployment extended in October.
The Trump administration argued that because the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled the initial deployment legal, extending it was also lawful. But U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer disagreed.
Judge Breyer Criticizes Federal Overreach
In his order, Judge Breyer wrote that the administration’s claim that extended federalization orders are “utterly unreviewable, forever” was shocking. He said such a scenario could threaten states’ rights and individual freedoms, reflecting the Founders’ concerns about a standing national army.
The order will take effect December 15, 2025, giving the administration time to appeal.
Governor Newsom Responds
Governor Newsom called the ruling a victory for California, saying the deployment was unnecessary and removed troops from essential public safety duties. “We look forward to all National Guard servicemembers being returned to state service,” he said.
Trump Administration Plans to Appeal
The White House issued a statement defending the deployment, saying it was necessary to support federal officers during violent riots. The statement criticized Newsom and emphasized that the administration plans to appeal the ruling.
Protests and Legal Challenges
Trump initially federalized California National Guard troops to manage protests against deportation raids, despite objections from Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Similar deployments were attempted in Portland and Chicago, which also faced legal challenges from state governors.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling, calling it a “good day for democracy” and reaffirming that the President cannot federalize state National Guard troops without proper justification.
Judge Highlights Lack of Necessity
Judge Breyer noted that incidents like a recent failed Molotov cocktail attack in downtown Los Angeles were handled entirely by local law enforcement without National Guard assistance. This, he said, showed that troops were not essential for public safety operations.
Conclusion
The federal judge’s order marks a clear limit on presidential power over state National Guard forces. While the Trump administration may appeal, California officials view the ruling as a reaffirmation of state authority and an important check on federal overreach. The remaining National Guard troops in Los Angeles are expected to return to state control soon.
