President Donald Trump gloated over an appeals court decision maintaining his control – at least for now – over California National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the federal government provided a "strong showing" that it would prevail over the state's legal challenge to Trump's deployment of troops usually under Gov. Gavin Newsom's control, saying it's likely the president had lawfully exercised his statutory authority."
"BIG WIN in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on the President’s core power to call in the National Guard!" Trump posted Thursday on Truth Social at 11:49 p.m. EST.
A federal judge directed Trump last week to relinquish control of the troops after finding he had violated several provisions of the law, but the appeals court put that ruling on hold after the order was issued, and the latest ruling extends that pause while the legal challenge continues – possibly all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The Judges obviously realized that Gavin Newscum is incompetent and ill prepared, but this is much bigger than Gavin, because all over the United States, if our Cities, and our people, need protection, we are the ones to give it to them should State and Local Police be unable, for whatever reason, to get the job done," Trump posted. "This is a Great Decision for our Country, and we will continue to protect and defend Law abiding Americans. Congratulations to the Ninth Circuit, America is proud of you tonight!"
Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance responded to Trump, saying, "After the 9th Circuit rules Trump is likely to prevail on his claim he properly federalized the CA Nat’l Guard, Trump suggests he’ll do it elsewhere, too."
After the 9th Circuit rules Trump is likely to prevail on his claim he properly federalized the CA Nat’l Guard, Trump suggests he’ll do it elsewhere, too. pic.twitter.com/oaihNWNJHZ
— Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) June 20, 2025