Trump National Guard Deployment: Judge’s Criticism
A federal judge is challenging President Trump’s controversial National Guard deployment to California, questioning the legality of the move. Judge Charles Breyer has raised serious doubts about Trump’s authority and the process followed, highlighting the limits of presidential power, and the Justice Department is defending the president’s actions. California is challenging the deployment, viewing it as an unprecedented power grab, arguing that Trump exceeded his authority by federalizing the Guard without Governor Newsom’s consent. The unfolding legal battle centers on the use of Title 10 of the U.S. Code, with Judge Breyer scrutinizing whether proper procedures were followed. News Directory 3 is following the case closely. The judge aims to rule quickly.Discover what happens next as the court decides on the deployment’s legality.
Judge Challenges Trump’s National Guard Deployment role in California
Updated June 13, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge expressed doubt Thursday about President Trump’s authority to federalize the National Guard in California.U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer questioned whether the president followed proper legal procedure before deploying the Guard to Los Angeles.
Breyer challenged the Justice Department’s argument that courts have no jurisdiction in the matter. He emphasized the limits on presidential power, drawing a distinction between a president and a monarch.
The hearing focused on the Trump administration’s use of Title 10 of the U.S. Code to justify federalizing the National Guard. Breyer pointed out that this provision requires presidential orders to be issued through state governors. He questioned how the order could be considered “through” Gov. Gavin newsom if it wasn’t initially sent to him.
However, Breyer showed less interest in the legality of deploying 140 U.S. Marines to replace National Guard troops. california brought the case against the trump administration, arguing that the president exceeded his authority by federalizing the Guard without Newsom’s consent and deploying Marines on U.S. soil.
Breyer said he hoped to reach a decision quickly. The Justice Department, anticipating a potential loss, requested a preliminary injunction with a stay to allow for an appeal.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Wednesday, “We expect an order from the court making clear what’s lawful and what’s unlawful, and part of that is making clear that the deployment of the National Guard by Trump is unlawful.” He added that the court might return the National Guard to the governor’s command.
The Trump administration argued that courts should not interfere, citing historical examples such as President Eisenhower’s deployment of troops for school desegregation and President Nixon’s use of the military during a postal strike.
The deployment followed protests in Los angeles sparked by Customs and Border Enforcement raids. After some protesters engaged in violence and vandalism,Trump deployed the National Guard and later added active-duty Marines. Protests and sporadic rioting have continued since.
What’s next
The judge is expected to rule soon on whether President Trump had the authority to deploy the National Guard and whether the federal government overstepped its role.