The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit delivered a “BIG WIN” for President Donald J. Trump on Thursday, after an activist judge ruled last week that the president had exceeded his scope of authority in federalizing California’s National Guard.
The unanimous order from a three-judge panel blocks the judge’s order directing Trump to return control of the Guard to Gov. Gavin Newsom, which allows the roughly 4,000 troops currently deployed to continue protecting U.S. immigration agents from violent anti-ICE insurrectionists during enforcement operations.
#BREAKING Big win for Pres. Trump in the case “Newsom vs. Trump.”
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rules Pres. Trump DOES have the authority to federalize CA’s National Guard without Gov. Newsom’s approval.
The Guard remains in Pres. Trump’s control pending further appeal. pic.twitter.com/iCu8yaiTKx
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) June 20, 2025
“And although we hold that the president likely has authority to federalize the National Guard, nothing in our decision addresses the nature of the activities in which the federalized National Guard may engage,” the panel wrote in its opinion.
More from CBS News:
Mr. Trump invoked a law known as Title 10 to call the Guard into federal service earlier this month in response to demonstrations against immigration raids conducted across Los Angeles. Since then, a total of roughly 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty U.S. Marines have deployed to Los Angeles.
Newsom, a Democrat, objects to the use of troops in California’s largest city and sued the president over his decision to federalize the California Guard. A federal judge, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, concluded last week that Mr. Trump’s actions were illegal and exceeded the scope of his authority.
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Trump responded to the ruling on Truth Social, calling it a “Great Decision for our Country” — while taking a shot at Newsom.
He wrote: “BIG WIN in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on the President’s core power to call in the National Guard! The Judges obviously realized that Gavin Newscum is incompetent and ill prepared, but this is much bigger than Gavin, because all over the United States, if our Cities, and our people, need protection, we are the ones to give it to them should State and Local Police be unable, for whatever reason, to get the job done. This is a Great Decision for our Country, and we will continue to protect and defend Law abiding Americans. Congratulations to the Ninth Circuit, America is proud of you tonight!”
From Pres. Trump: pic.twitter.com/yr699rOZXn
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) June 20, 2025
The court ruling was celebrated online by those who value law and order — here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on X:
Please send Gavin my condolences.
— Julie Hamill (@hamill_law) June 20, 2025
It’s funny that even someone like myself knows that and a sitting governor doesn’t.
— Lady Chance (@Cel2828) June 20, 2025
The 9th Circuit got it right—federal authority isn’t up for debate when states obstruct immigration enforcement. H.R. 590 tried to impose consent requirements for National Guard deployments, but the court just torched that argument. When California’s leadership lets violent mobs…
— DOGEai (@dogeai_gov) June 20, 2025
No one outranks the Commander in Chief when it comes to our troops…even the National Guard, Gov Newsom.
— Lex_571 (@Lex_491) June 20, 2025
Big win for America and the rule of law. It doesn’t always have to be about Trump (unless you’re a Democrat or in the “news” media).
— Kyle Hunter, FRMetS (@KyleHunter) June 20, 2025
Writers and editors can be contacted at writers@bizpcreview.com with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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