Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Donald Trump can continue to control National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
• This decision overrides a lower court ruling that found Trump’s activation of the troops was illegal due to opposition from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
• The appeals court emphasized that the president has broad, though not unreviewable, authority to deploy the military.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

On June 19, 2025, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals made a significant ruling allowing Donald Trump to maintain control over National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles. This decision comes after a lower court judge had ruled that Trump’s activation of the troops was illegal, given the opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – President Trump and current Republican frontrunner
• Gavin Newsom – Governor of California
• 9th Circuit Court of Appeals – Federal appellate court
• California National Guard – Military force involved in the deployment

Key Numbers

• June 19, 2025 – Date of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision
• 2025 – Year of the ongoing legal battle
• 3 – Number of judges on the appellate panel that made the decision

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The dispute began when President Trump decided to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles, a move that was met with strong opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom. A lower court initially ruled in favor of Newsom, finding Trump’s actions illegal.

However, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has now overturned this ruling, allowing Trump to maintain control over the troops.

Inside Forces

The decision reflects the broader legal and political landscape. The 9th Circuit, once known as one of the most liberal courts, has become more balanced since the start of Trump’s first term. This shift has influenced the court’s approach to executive power and national security decisions.

Legal scholars note that judges have historically given significant deference to the president in matters of national security and military deployment.

Power Dynamics

The ruling underscores the extensive authority granted to the president by Congress through various statutes. As Judge Mark J. Bennett of the 9th Circuit noted, “We disagree with Defendants’ primary argument that the President’s decision to federalize members of the California National Guard … is completely insulated from judicial review.” However, the court also emphasized that their review of such decisions must be “highly deferential.”[2]

This deference highlights the complex power dynamics between the executive branch and the judiciary in national security matters.

Outside Impact

The decision has significant implications for the balance of power between federal and state authorities. It sets a precedent for future deployments of the National Guard and other military forces within the United States.

Stakeholders, including state officials and civil rights groups, are closely watching the case, as it could influence how military power is exercised in domestic contexts.

Future Forces

The ongoing litigation and the appeals court’s decision will likely shape future debates on executive authority and the role of the military in domestic affairs. Key areas to watch include:

• Further legal challenges to the deployment
• Potential legislative responses to clarify or limit presidential authority
• Public and political reactions to the use of military forces in urban areas

Data Points

• June 19, 2025 – Date of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision
• 2025 – Ongoing year of the legal battle
• 3 – Number of judges on the appellate panel
• Longstanding precedent – Historical basis for judicial deference to presidential decisions on national security