Trump can keep troops in Los Angeles, court rules

A federal appeals court in San Francisco decided on June 19, 2025, that President Donald Trump can continue using National Guard troops in Los Angeles while a legal fight continues. The decision comes after protests against Trump’s immigration raids, which led him to send 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to the city on June 7, despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The court, made up of two Trump-appointed judges and one appointed by President Biden, said Trump likely acted within his rights when he took control of the National Guard. However, they rejected the idea that his actions couldn’t be reviewed by courts. This ruling pauses a lower court’s order by Judge Charles Breyer, who had said Trump’s move was illegal and gave control back to Newsom.

California argues that Trump’s use of troops violates state authority and laws against using the military for civilian law enforcement. The state’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, called the situation in Los Angeles not serious enough to justify troops, saying their presence has made things worse.

Trump’s team, however, insists he has the power to act during national emergencies. The court’s decision is temporary, and California may appeal to a larger panel or the U.S. Supreme Court. For now, Trump keeps control of the troops as the legal battle continues, leaving Los Angeles residents to deal with the ongoing military presence.