In a recent development, a US appeals court has allowed Donald Trump to maintain control over California’s national guard as the state’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, challenges the legality of Trump’s use of troops to quell protests and unrest in Los Angeles. The San Francisco-based 9th US circuit court of appeals extended a pause on a ruling by US district Judge Charles Breyer, who deemed Trump’s call to federalize the national guard unlawful. Breyer’s decision came in response to a lawsuit brought by Governor Newsom against Trump’s actions.

The court ruled that Trump violated US law by not coordinating with the governor and failing to meet the statutory conditions justifying federal control of the National Guard. Breyer ordered Trump to return control of the national guard to Newsom, but the 9th circuit panel temporarily halted this order. Trump’s deployment of troops in response to protests and immigration raids in Los Angeles has sparked a national debate on the use of the military on US soil and heightened political tensions in the city.

The lawsuit by California argues that the situation in Los Angeles did not meet the criteria for federal intervention, as local law enforcement was deemed capable of handling the sporadic violence during the protests. The Trump administration contends that the troops are not engaging in law enforcement but are safeguarding federal personnel and buildings. The 9th circuit panel overseeing the case comprises two Trump appointees and one by Democratic former president Joe Biden.

This legal battle underscores the complex issues surrounding presidential authority to deploy troops and the balance between federal and state powers in times of civil unrest.