Trump Directs Return of California National Guard to Governor Newsom: What This Means for State Control

On June 9, 2025, Los Angeles saw a significant protest against the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Thousands gathered outside the Federal Building, sparking strong responses from police and the National Guard.

A federal judge, Charles Breyer, ruled that President Trump’s decision to federalize California National Guard troops for the protests was illegal. He told Trump to return command of the Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite this ruling, the administration appealed to the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to postpone the order.

In a move that had never happened before in U.S. history, Trump had called up 4,000 National Guard members and about 700 U.S. Marines to manage the protests against immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Governor Newsom and the state attorney general quickly filed a lawsuit, arguing that this federalization happened without the state’s consent.

During the recent court hearing, Judge Breyer questioned the government’s justification for Trump’s actions. He noted that the protests didn’t constitute a "rebellion" and pointed out that none of the conditions for such a federal intervention were met. Breyer emphasized, “His actions were illegal — both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment.”

He further warned that this situation could disrupt the balance of power between state and federal governments, setting a concerning precedent for future military engagements in domestic matters. Breyer scheduled another court date for June 20, where government lawyers will need to justify their stance.

Newsom welcomed the ruling, expressing that the military should not be on city streets. He tweeted a humorous video depicting the destruction of the "Death Star" from Star Wars, likening it to the federalization of the National Guard.

This case highlights a growing tension between state and federal authorities, particularly on issues of immigration. A recent survey discovered that 70% of Californians believe states should control their National Guard deployment. This sentiment reflects a nationwide discussion on state versus federal rights, which may grow even more pronounced in the coming years.

As protests continue, many are watching closely. The outcome of this case could reshape how military forces are deployed during civil unrest and redefine state powers in the face of federal decisions.

For further insights, you can explore a report by the Pew Research Center on the evolving dynamics of state and federal relations.

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