A federal judge in California has blocked President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard in Los Angeles, ruling that the deployment violated the 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act.
The ruling comes just before Trump is set to make a major Oval Office announcement related to the Department of Defense, raising questions about his plans to use troops in other US cities.
Trump’s Troop Deployment Illegal – Federal Judge
US District Judge Charles Breyer ruled Tuesday that Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles in June was illegal. The troops were sent to respond to protests against immigration enforcement operations. “President Trump’s recent executive orders and public statements regarding the National Guard raise serious concerns as to whether he intends to order troops to violate the Posse Comitatus Act elsewhere in California,” the judge wrote.
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The Posse Comitatus Act prevents the federal government from using military forces as domestic police, it applies to all branches, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Space Force. The law, passed in 1878 after the Civil War, ensures that soldiers cannot replace civilian law enforcement.
Limits on Trump’s Use of Troops
The court ruling prohibits Trump from using the National Guard in California for arrests, searches, seizures, or crowd control. While it applies only to California, the decision could set a precedent for challenges in other states.
The judge did clarify that troops can still perform tasks allowed under the law, such as protecting federal property. The 300 National Guard members currently stationed in Los Angeles do not have to leave immediately.
Governor Newsom Sues Trump Administration
California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the deployment, arguing it violated federal law. Judge Breyer’s order supports the state’s position and highlights legal limits on using military force domestically.
The judge warned that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked “creating a national police force with the President as its chief.”
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Timing and Implications
The ruling comes as Trump prepares to speak publicly for the first time in a week. The White House confirmed he will announce that the US Space Command headquarters is moving.
The legal setback in California could complicate Trump’s plans to deploy troops in Washington DC, Chicago, or other cities for law enforcement purposes. The ruling is on hold until September 12, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal.
What This Means for Trump’s Plans?
This ruling highlights the significance of the Posse Comitatus Act by restricting Trump’s use of military forces in domestic law enforcement. According to legal experts, this might compel the administration to reconsider how it uses troops to implement domestic goals.
Trump’s defenders claim that his deployments were essential for public safety, while critics contend that they may have compromised civilian authority.
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