In a recent development, a federal appeals court has granted President Donald Trump the authority to retain command over thousands of California National Guard members. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals approved Trump’s request to temporarily overturn a lower-court decision that mandated him to release control of around 4,000 guardsmen from California, who were federalized to enhance security in Los Angeles amidst immigration-related unrest.

In an unsigned ruling, the court stated its belief that the President acted within his legal rights under the federal law invoked to federalize the guardsmen, dismissing claims made by California Governor Gavin Newsom that Trump had violated federal regulations by seizing control of the state militia without proper protocol.

Previously, US District Judge Charles Breyer had instructed Trump to relinquish control of the guardsmen, citing violations of specific legal provisions requiring presidential orders to go through the state governor when federalizing state troops. The appeals court temporarily suspended Breyer’s ruling, extending the pause while the legal dispute unfolds. California retains the option to seek emergency intervention from the Supreme Court.

This situation remains dynamic, and further updates are anticipated as the story progresses.