California Prepared to Sue Trump Over Troop Deployment to San Francisco, Newsom States
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared that the state is ready to take legal action if President Trump proceeds with troop deployments to San Francisco. Newsom stated this position during a press conference held on Tuesday.
Governor Newsom’s Opposition to Troop Deployment
Newsom criticized Trump’s potential decision, labeling it an attack on the rule of law and state sovereignty. He expressed strong disapproval, stating: “We’re standing up to this wannabe tyrant.”
As of now, Trump has not deployed any troops but has made several threats regarding military action in recent days. During a Fox News segment, he remarked, “We’re gonna go to San Francisco,” referring to the need for intervention in the city.
Local Leaders Reject Federal Intervention
San Francisco’s Mayor Daniel Lurie and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins have also voiced their opposition to any troop deployment. Jenkins emphasized that no local leaders support the National Guard’s presence in the city at the direction of the Trump Administration. She warned that federal law prohibits National Guard members from acting as city police.
- Legal Limitations: National Guard members cannot conduct investigations or arrests.
- Public Safety Strategy: Local officials have developed a coordinated response to potential federal actions.
Backlash Against National Guard Deployment
The discussion around troop deployment intensified following comments from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who controversially invited the president to send in the National Guard. His remarks drew substantial criticism, leading him to issue an apology.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu are also prepared to join the lawsuit if federal troops are deployed. Newsom has previously initiated legal proceedings to challenge the federalization of National Guard troops, stating that such actions began in June as a response to protests against Trump’s immigration policies.
Current Status of National Guard Troops
Originally, 4,000 members of the California National Guard were federalized, representing about one-third of its active personnel. While many have since returned home, approximately 300 troops remain under federal control. Currently, 200 of these are stationed in Portland, Oregon, awaiting further orders, while others are in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Mayor Lurie is actively managing local responses and has convened a group of safety leaders to address the situation effectively.
