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As we await the Ninth Circuit decision on Trump’s unlawful federalization of California National Guard, the ACLUs of California thank Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta for filing suit to protect the fundamental rights of all Californians and challenge this dangerous abuse of power that threatens core democratic principles. Although a federal judge ruled to halt Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals suspended the ruling, allowing the troops to remain under Trump’s control.
Trump’s unlawful federalization of the California National Guard has recklessly endangered all residents of our state. Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta stood up for the constitutional principle of state sovereignty and defended the rights of all Californians against executive overreach.
The Trump administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles—over the clear objections of state and local leaders—represents an unnecessary, inflammatory, and dangerous abuse of presidential power. This action not only undermines the authority of the Governor as Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard but also puts communities at risk and threatens the foundational democratic principle that the military must not be used to police civilians.
The ACLUs of California are ready to support any effort to safeguard civil liberties and prevent further abuses of power.
