In a rare moment of clarity from the famously liberal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, President Donald Trump scored a massive legal win Thursday in his battle with California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The unanimous ruling allows President Trump to maintain federal control over National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles—a direct rebuke to Newsom’s attempt to seize back command of the forces. The court stayed a lower court order that had tried to return control to the California governor.
According to the judges, President Trump had every right to take action under U.S. Code § 12406(3), which allows the president to federalize the National Guard if local law enforcement can’t get the job done.
“Affording the President that deference, we conclude that it is likely that the President lawfully exercised his statutory authority,” the court said. In other words, Gavin’s feelings don’t overrule federal law.
President Trump celebrated on Truth Social, writing:
“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… This is a Great Decision for our Country, and we will continue to protect and defend Law abiding Americans.”
This marks the first time since 1965 that a president has deployed National Guard troops without a governor’s permission—a move Newsom claimed was illegal. But the court disagreed, making it clear that while President Trump should’ve given notice, Newsom had no authority to veto the decision.
Translation: President Trump’s in charge. Newsom’s just mad about it.
While Democrats howl, Americans who care about law and order can breathe a sigh of relief. When local leaders like Newsom drop the ball, it’s good to know President Trump is ready to pick it up.