CNN has nothing but disdain for Donald Trump. They will do anything to attack him.
And now CNN’s lawyer has hit President Trump with a massive legal bombshell.
Trump’s Power Play Triumphs in Court As National Guard Deployment Upheld
President Donald Trump scored a significant victory in a federal appeals court, affirming his authority to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles to address violent riots. The unanimous ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, handed down on Thursday, reinforces the executive branch’s ability to act decisively in times of crisis, a move that strengthens Trump’s leadership in maintaining law and order.
The court’s decision stems from Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and approximately 700 U.S. Marines on June 8 to quell riots sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting illegal immigrant criminals in Los Angeles. The situation had spiraled into chaos, with rioters setting cars ablaze, hurling Molotov cocktails, and attacking law enforcement officers. The appeals court ruled that Trump “lawfully exercised his statutory authority,” a clear affirmation of his prerogative to protect public safety.
CNN legal analyst Elie Honig, speaking on “The Situation Room,” described the ruling as a “big win” for Trump and the powers of the presidency. “It’s huge, Pam, because it goes to presidential powers and the extent of them. So the core ruling here from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is yes, the federal courts have some role in reviewing the president’s decision to deploy the National Guard, however, the courts cannot just second guess the president and overturn him if they disagree,” Honig said. He emphasized that federal judges must grant “very broad deference” to the president, only intervening if a decision is “patently absurd or based on bad faith.”
The violence in Los Angeles made clear the necessity of Trump’s swift action. Rioters, incensed by ICE’s lawful raids, turned to destructive tactics. One alarming incident involved Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, a previously deported Mexican national, who now faces attempted murder charges for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at ICE agents on June 7. Fox News’ Bill Melugin reported that rioters also pelted Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents with rocks in Paramount, California, injuring one agent when a rock shattered a vehicle’s windshield.
The appeals court’s ruling directly rebuffed a lower court decision by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who had claimed Trump violated laws governing the federalization of state National Guard units. Breyer argued that Trump failed to coordinate with California’s governor and that the conditions for such a deployment, like a rebellion against federal authority, were not met. The 9th Circuit, however, disagreed, stating that Trump’s actions were likely lawful under statutory authority.
“Affording the President that deference, we conclude that it is likely that the President lawfully exercised his statutory authority under § 12406(3), which authorizes federalization of the National Guard when the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States,” the court stated.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of Trump, attempted to downplay the ruling’s significance. “We will press forward with our challenge to President Trump’s authoritarian use of U.S. military soldiers against citizens,” Newsom declared, insisting that the president “is not a king and is not above the law.” His remarks frame the deployment as an overreach, despite the court’s clear support for Trump’s authority.
The appeals court’s decision ensures that Trump retains control over California’s National Guard while Newsom’s legal challenge continues. The three-judge panel extended a pause on Breyer’s ruling, allowing Trump to maintain operational command of the Guard units. This move solidifies the administration’s ability to address unrest without undue interference from state-level opposition.
Honig noted that the district court will now hold a hearing to clarify the National Guard’s role, as they are prohibited from performing police duties. This step ensures that the deployment remains within legal bounds while addressing the immediate need for order in Los Angeles. The ruling sets a precedent that federal courts must respect the president’s decisions unless they are blatantly unjustified.
The deployment itself was a response to escalating violence that threatened both public safety and federal operations. National Guardsmen and Marines were dispatched to break up crowds and restore calm, a move that proved essential as rioters targeted law enforcement with dangerous tactics. The administration’s focus on securing communities aligns with Trump’s commitment to prioritizing American safety.
The appeals court’s ruling marks a pivotal moment for the Trump administration, affirming its ability to act decisively in turbulent times. By upholding the president’s authority to deploy the National Guard, the judiciary has reinforced the executive’s role in protecting the nation from internal threats. The decision stands as a testament to Trump’s resolve in confronting chaos head-on.
The Federalist Wire will update you if the case is picked up by the U.S. Supreme Court after this appellate court ruling.
