CNN Analyst Calls Ruling ‘Huge’ for Presidential Power

Governor Newsom at CNN Presidential Debate

A federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump can deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles, overturning a previous restraining order that required California Gov. Gavin Newsom's consent. The decision emphasizes that courts should defer to presidential authority on national security matters. CNN Analyst Elie Honig noted that the ruling is significant in regard to its impact on Trump's future legal challenges.

Guardsmen facing protesters at federal building

Honig claimed the ruling is “huge," noting that "it goes to presidential powers and the extent of them. So the core ruling here from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is yes, the federal courts have some role in reviewing the president’s decision to deploy the National Guard, however, the courts cannot just second guess the president and overturn him if they disagree.”

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Honig called the ruling a major win for the executive branch. He explained that although federal courts can review presidential actions, they cannot overturn them solely due to disagreement.

Marines guarding federal building in Los Angeles

Honig added that the court states that “we, all of us, in the federal judiciary, we have to give very broad deference to the president, so unless his decision is patently absurd or based on bad faith, then we have to step back and let the president exercise this power."

Trump addressing Congress at Capitol

Honig stated, “So it’s a big win for President Trump. As we know, he has sought at all times to expand his executive authority, and this is a win for him.”

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The National Guard had been deployed in response to violent protests over ICE raids targeting illegal immigrants. National Guardsmen and U.S. Marines were mobilized to restore order amid riots involving arson and attacks on law enforcement.

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Trump wrote, “This is a Great Decision for our Country, and we will continue to protect and defend law-abiding Americans.”

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In response to the ruling, Newsom declared that Trump is not “a king” and vowed to challenge what he called the President’s authoritarian use of military forces against citizens. The decision has sparked broader debate over the National Guard’s role and its limitations in law enforcement operations.

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Newsom said, “The president is not a king and is not above the law.” He added, “We will press forward with our challenge to President Trump’s authoritarian use of U.S. military soldiers against citizens. The courts have ruled on the Guard. They will be back under my command.”

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.