Judge Tests Strength of Trump’s Argument for Commanding California Guard Troops

A federal judge expressed significant skepticism regarding the Trump administration's authority to retain control over California National Guard troops during a hearing on Friday in San Francisco. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer emphasized that circumstances in Los Angeles had evolved since the troops were first deployed amid protests in June, questioning whether federal oversight could persist indefinitely under current interpretations of federal law. "No crisis lasts forever," Breyer remarked, highlighting the transient nature of emergencies. He challenged a government attorney to provide proof that state authorities could not ensure the safety of federal personnel and assets. California officials have sought a preliminary injunction to reclaim control of the remaining National Guard soldiers, a request Breyer has yet to decide upon. California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the deployment as an illegitimate use of the Guard, asserting it should not serve as the president's private force for arbitrary purposes.

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