LOS ANGELES - A federal appeals court has allowed President Donald Trump to maintain control of National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles, following protests over immigration raids [1][2]. The decision, made by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, June 20, 2025, overturns a lower court ruling that had deemed Trump's actions illegal [1][3].

The deployment marks the first instance since 1965 that a U.S. president has federalized a state's National Guard without the governor's consent [1][2]. California Governor Gavin Newsom had opposed the move, leading to a legal battle that highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities [3][4].

In its unanimous decision, the appeals court concluded that Trump likely exercised lawful authority in federalizing control of the guard [1]. The panel stated, "While presidents don't have unfettered power to seize control of a state's guard, the Trump administration had presented enough evidence to show it had a defensible rationale for doing so, citing violent acts by protesters" [1][2].

The court's decision cited "undisputed facts" demonstrating that before the National Guard deployment, protesters had "pinned down" several federal officers and caused damage to federal buildings [4]. This evidence was crucial in supporting the Trump administration's argument for intervention [2][4].

President Trump celebrated the decision on social media, calling it a "BIG WIN" and stating, "This is a Great Decision for our Country, and we will continue to protect and defend Law abiding Americans" [5]. However, Governor Newsom remains critical of what he describes as Trump's "authoritarian control" [3].

Legal experts suggest this case could have significant implications for presidential powers and the balance between federal and state authorities in managing domestic crises [3]. The ongoing legal battle reflects the broader political tensions surrounding immigration policy and protest management in the United States [6][7].

As the situation continues to develop, the lower court that initially ruled against the deployment is scheduled to hold another hearing on Friday, June 21, 2025 [7]. Meanwhile, the federal government maintains its use of California National Guard troops to respond to the protests in Los Angeles [7][8].