DC DAILY LETTER: Trump’s National Guard Plan Blocked by Court
September 2, 2025 | dcdailyletter.com
President Trump’s push to use National Guard troops for immigration enforcement has hit a legal wall. Here’s what’s happening.
Trump’s Plan Faces Legal Fight
A California federal judge stopped President Trump’s deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles for immigration enforcement on September 2, 2025. The ruling, in a lawsuit by Governor Gavin Newsom, says the move breaks the Posse Comitatus Act, which bans military use in domestic policing. It paused deportations of 76 Guatemalan migrant kids, with Newsom calling it “political theater.”
Trump aimed to protect federal agents, but plans to expand to Chicago and other cities face resistance. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called a potential Chicago deployment an “invasion.” On X, some support Trump’s tough stance, while others see it as overreach. In DC, this fight could spark a government shutdown by September 30 over funding disputes.
Why It Matters
This clash tests Trump’s power in DC, where he controls the National Guard. Critics say troops aren’t trained for policing, risking tensions. Congress faces pressure as Republicans push immigration funds, but Democrats may block them, eyeing the 2026 midterms.
World View
The ruling signals to the world that U.S. courts can check Trump’s plans. Europe and Thailand see echoes of their own power struggles.