Ninth Circuit Forces Trump to Return California National Guard Control to State
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration must return control of the California National Guard to the state. President Trump announced that day he would withdraw National Guard troops from Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago. The federal government backed down after months of litigation challenging the federalization of state troops without governor approval.
Trump had mobilized around 4,000 troops in June 2025 to control crime in California. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled on September 2, 2025, that the administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act. On December 10, 2025, Judge Breyer granted a preliminary injunction sought by California officials. About 300 troops remained under federal control until this December 31 ruling finally ended the unprecedented federalization.
Key Actors
Sources (4)
- Federal court finally ends illegal federalization of National Guard (2025-12-31) [Tier 1]
- Attorney General Bonta celebrates District Court order ending extended federalization (2025-12-31) [Tier 1]
- Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2025 Year-End Report (2025-12-31) [Tier 1]
- Chief Justice's year-end report goes back to basics (2025-12-31) [Tier 1]
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