Trump Withdraws National Guard from L.A., Newsom Declares Victory

President Trump announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling that raised questions about the legality of deploying troops for domestic law enforcement. Trump cited a significant reduction in crime in these cities as the reason for this move, while also leaving the door open for future federal intervention.

Governor Newsom’s Response to Troop Withdrawal

California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to Trump’s announcement, attributing the withdrawal to the state’s recent legal victories. Newsom declared, “I’m glad President Trump has finally admitted defeat.” He emphasized that the federalization of the National Guard in California was illegal and directed National Guard leadership to expedite the return of service members to their families.

Recent Legal Developments

• On Tuesday, Justice Department lawyers withdrew a request to maintain federal control of the troops during an ongoing legal appeal.
• A ruling from the 9th Circuit Court on Wednesday restored control of the California National Guard to Governor Newsom.
• Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked Trump from deploying the National Guard in Chicago.

Judges have increasingly scrutinized the administration’s claims regarding the indefinite federal control of troops. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer ruled that such control undermines the constitutional balance between state and federal authority.

Financial Ramifications of the Deployment

Governor Newsom criticized Trump’s deployment of nearly 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, labeling it a political stunt that cost taxpayers approximately $120 million. Most troops returned home by August; however, about 300 were still under federal control, including 100 active in Los Angeles this month.

Public Safety and Crime Statistics

Despite claims from the Trump administration, recent reports from the Los Angeles Police Department indicate an 8% drop in violent crime and property crime in 2023. Federal troops primarily focused on protecting federal buildings rather than engaging in street-level law enforcement.

Broader Implications and Civil Liberties Concerns

The Los Angeles circumstances are part of a wider legal battle concerning the president’s authority to deploy armed forces within U.S. cities. Similar litigation is ongoing in Oregon and Illinois, with various judges displaying skepticism towards claims of unreviewable executive power in these matters.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed relief over the appeals court ruling, highlighting a commitment to uphold constitutional rights against perceived executive overreach. He stated that National Guard troops had been misused as political tools, calling for the separation of military and civilian responsibilities.

Conclusion

As the situation develops, the implications of Trump’s decisions and the legal landscape surrounding troop deployments continue to unfold. Both state and federal authorities remain vigilant as they navigate this contentious issue, raising important questions about governance and public safety.