Appeals Court Rules Trump Can Keep Control of National Guard

The Ninth Circuit Court ruled that the president likely had exercised lawful authority in taking control of the troops in response to riots in Los Angeles.

National Guard members stand guard outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on June 12, 2025. David Ryder/Reuters

A federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump can retain control of the California National Guard, following a legal challenge from Gov. Gavin Newsom over the federalization of the troops.

In a June 19 decision, a three-judge panel on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Trump had exercised lawful authority in taking control of the guard in response to riots and protests in Los Angeles. The administration was granted a stay on a lower court ruling that returned control of the California National Guard to Newsom.