Trump Halts National Guard Deployment After Supreme Court Setbacks

Jan 1, 2026, 2:24 AM
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President Donald Trump has decided to suspend his efforts to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon, following a series of legal challenges and a recent Supreme Court ruling that blocked such actions.
In a social media post, Trump indicated that the deployment would be reconsidered in the future, stating, "We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!" This announcement comes after a federal judge permanently blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, citing that the president's justification for the deployment was unfounded and exceeded his authority.
The legal battles surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops have been extensive. US District Court Judge Karin Immergut ruled that Trump's claims of a "rebellion" in Portland were not supported by evidence, stating that the protests were largely peaceful and did not warrant military intervention. The judge emphasized that the federal government failed to demonstrate that the situation in Portland constituted a danger that would justify the deployment of troops under federal law.
In addition to Portland, Trump's administration faced similar legal challenges in Chicago and Los Angeles. The Supreme Court had previously denied the administration's request to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, marking a significant setback for Trump's plans. The legal framework surrounding these deployments has raised questions about the balance of power between state and federal authorities, particularly regarding the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the recent developments as a "major litigation victory," asserting that the use of National Guard troops for political purposes undermines the separation of military and civilian affairs. He criticized the Trump administration for using the National Guard as "political pawns" and emphasized the importance of maintaining an apolitical military force.
The suspension of the National Guard deployments reflects a broader strategy by Trump to address crime in urban areas, which he has characterized as "lawless." However, local leaders in these cities have consistently opposed the federal intervention, arguing that it is unnecessary and infringes on their authority.
As the legal battles continue, the Trump administration has indicated that it will pursue further appeals regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in other cities, including a pending case involving Illinois. The administration's approach has drawn criticism from various state officials who argue that military intervention is not a solution to urban crime and that such actions could lead to further tensions between federal and state governments.
In summary, Trump's decision to halt the National Guard deployments in these cities underscores the ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding the use of military forces in domestic situations. The outcome of these legal battles will likely shape future federal-state relations and the administration's approach to crime in urban areas as the midterm elections approach.

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