LOS ANGELES — The state of California has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of illegally deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles without the approval of Governor Gavin Newsom.
The lawsuit, announced Monday by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, follows a weekend of protests in downtown Los Angeles that were sparked by federal immigration raids.
Governor Newsom Blasts Trump Over Military Action
Governor Newsom strongly criticized Trump’s move on social media, calling it both illegal and inflammatory.
“Taking control of a state’s National Guard without the Governor’s approval is unlawful,” Newsom wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Trump is only making things worse. California will take legal action.”
On Monday, Newsom reiterated his stance, stating, “Trump illegally federalized the National Guard. We’re suing him.”
Trump-California Feud Intensifies
The political tension between Newsom and Trump reached a new level after the former president suggested that Newsom should be arrested — comments made during an interview referencing former ICE director Tom Homan.
“If I were Tom, I’d do it. Gavin craves attention,” Trump said. “It would be a great move.”
Why California Is Suing Over National Guard Deployment
Attorney General Bonta argued that Trump’s federal order violated the law and deprived California of its own emergency response resources.
“Sending troops into Los Angeles without state consent undermines our ability to protect residents and handle emergencies,” Bonta said. “The National Guard exists to serve both state and country — not political agendas.”
The lawsuit points out that the Governor serves as the commander-in-chief of the state’s National Guard unless he consents to federal control — which Newsom did not.
Protests in Los Angeles Turn Chaotic
National Guard troops were deployed Sunday as demonstrations grew in size and intensity. The protests followed aggressive immigration enforcement operations that took place in the area on Friday.
Footage aired by CBS Los Angeles showed National Guard members using tear gas and non-lethal rounds to disperse a crowd near the Metropolitan Detention Center. LAPD later confirmed the arrest of 39 individuals during the clashes.
Trump Calls Protesters “Insurrectionists”
Trump announced the deployment late Saturday and criticized both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in follow-up posts. He labeled the protesters as “troublemakers and insurrectionists” and claimed local leaders were failing to maintain order.
In response, Newsom accused Trump of “escalating the crisis” and called the troop deployment “deliberately provocative.”
He also sent a formal letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard, stating there was “no legitimate need” for the federal presence.
ICE Defends Immigration Raids
A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that recent operations in the Los Angeles area led to the arrests of individuals with serious criminal records, including a domestic violence offender and a convicted child predator.
Conclusion
California’s lawsuit against Trump marks a significant legal and political clash over the limits of presidential power during civil unrest. As tensions continue to rise, the outcome of this case could set a critical precedent for state and federal authority during national emergencies.
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