California Sues Trump: National Guard Seizure
Trump Orders National guard Deployment; Newsom Sues Over Federal Power
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is suing President Donald Trump and the U.S.government after Trump ordered the federalization of the state’s National Guard. The move, enacted without Newsom’s consent, aims to address protests, which the LAPD described as peaceful and “under control.”
Newsom’s lawsuit challenges what he calls an illegal and unconstitutional deployment. He argues that Trump bypassed his authority by directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to command the California National Guard, violating a statute requiring such orders to go through state governors.
The lawsuit claims Trump is manufacturing a crisis to expand executive power. It emphasizes that the protests in Los Angeles did not warrant federal military intervention, despite some incidents involving damaged vehicles.
The complaint argues that the statute Trump invoked, 10 USC 12406, is inappropriate for the situation. Newsom asserts that the requirement for federal activation orders to go through governors is designed to prevent federal overreach and protect state sovereignty.
The Governor of the State of California and the State of California bring this action to protect the State against the illegal actions of the President, Secretary of Defense, and Department of Defense to deploy members of the California National Guard, without lawful authority, and in violation of the Constitution.
Critics argue that Trump’s actions set a hazardous precedent for federal intervention in state affairs. They fear it could normalize military involvement in civilian law enforcement and undermine the balance of power between federal and state governments.
What’s next
The lawsuit is expected to test the limits of executive power and the balance between federal and state authority. The outcome could have meaningful implications for the future of federal-state relations and the role of the military in domestic affairs.