A US senior federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that US President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops amid protests in Los Angeles was unlawful.
Charles Breyer on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to return control of the California National Guard back to California Governor Gavin Newsom, saying the president had overstepped his authority. The order takes effect at noon on Friday.
“This win is not just for California, but the nation. It’s a check on a man whose authoritarian tendencies are increasing by the day,” Newsom said on X.
“The Guard will be back under my command — and Donald Trump will be relieved of his command at noon tomorrow,” he added.
The US government already announced it will appeal the ruling.
Los Angeles has seen days of demonstrations opposing Trump’s hardline stance on migrants and recent deportation raids. In response, Trump mobilized 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 marines for deployment in Los Angeles, despite opposition from Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.