A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump acted unlawfully when he took control of California’s National Guard amid violent protests related to immigration enforcement in Los Angeles earlier this week.
In a sharply worded decision, U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer sided with Governor Gavin Newsom, declaring that Trump overstepped his authority and violated the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“His actions were illegal—both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment,” Breyer wrote in the ruling, adding, “Federalism is not optional. Even the president cannot legislate by fiat.”
The ruling grants a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, halting federal control over the California National Guard and ordering that command be returned to the state “forthwith.”
The legal clash stems from days of unrest in Los Angeles following large-scale anti-ICE demonstrations, which turned violent over the weekend. Rioters clashed with federal agents, looted businesses, and torched vehicles, prompting Trump to invoke a federal proclamation to seize control of 4,000 National Guard troops and deploy them in the streets.
Judge Breyer rejected the justification for the move, calling it “constitutionally hollow.” His order blocks further Guard deployment under federal command and requires the Department of Defense to immediately restore authority to Governor Newsom.
“The court finds the president’s actions unjustified under existing law and dangerous to the constitutional balance between federal and state powers,” the ruling states.
Hours after the ruling, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Trump administration’s request for an administrative stay, temporarily blocking the restraining order. The appeals court has scheduled a hearing for June 17, with written responses due in the days prior.
The court’s move gives the federal government a narrow window to defend the legality of its actions before the restraining order potentially becomes a preliminary injunction.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed the district court’s decision, calling it “a crucial step in defending our communities and constitutional rights.”
“The Trump administration had no right to federalize California’s National Guard without the governor’s approval,” Bonta said. “This illegal power grab escalated tensions and endangered lives.”
Bonta emphasized that the situation in Los Angeles did not justify a military response under federal law.
“We are not in the midst of a rebellion. There is no invasion. Nothing prevented the federal government from enforcing the law through proper channels,” he said.
He also noted that a coalition of retired military leaders, including former secretaries of the Army and Navy and four-star generals, had filed briefs supporting California’s case and warning of the risks posed by unauthorized domestic military deployments.
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team condemned the ruling as “an abuse of judicial power.”
“This order is unprecedented and dangerous. The president acted lawfully to protect federal property and personnel during chaos in lawless Los Angeles,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. “The district court has no authority to strip the Commander-in-Chief of his powers.”
Kelly confirmed that the Trump administration would pursue an immediate appeal, expressing confidence in a favorable outcome at the appellate level.
While the legal battle plays out, tension remains high in Los Angeles, where National Guard troops continue to operate under the temporary stay granted by the Ninth Circuit. The situation has reignited national debates over federal authority, state sovereignty, and the role of the military in domestic law enforcement.
With input from Fox News
