California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the federal activation of the state’s National Guard in response to ongoing street protests in Los Angeles. The lawsuit calls the move unconstitutional and seeks to block any further deployments without state consent, according to CNN.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, speaking at a press conference, sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s decision, calling it “unnecessary, counterproductive, and unlawful.” Bonta argued that the federal order violated the 10th Amendment by overriding the authority of the state and ignoring the consent of Governor Newsom and local law enforcement agencies.
“This is an abuse of federal power,” said Bonta. “It’s a blatant violation of the Constitution and federal law, as the order was made without authorization from Governor Newsom.”
The legal action marks California’s 24th lawsuit against the Trump administration in just 19 weeks, signaling a deepening conflict between the state and the former president’s policies. Newsom further condemned the federal order in a social media post, accusing Trump of “creating fear and terror to take over a state militia and violate the US Constitution.”
Responding to the lawsuit, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly criticized Newsom for focusing on legal battles instead of supporting law enforcement. “It’s pathetic that Newsom is more focused on saving face than protecting law enforcement and holding criminals accountable,” she said, adding that the governor should thank Trump “for restoring law and order.”
The lawsuit coincides with rising tensions nationwide, including protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In New York City, several demonstrators were detained at a protest near 26 Federal Plaza, where they reportedly blocked traffic and refused to clear the road despite repeated warnings from police.
NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on X that authorities would not tolerate violence or obstruction. “Any attack against law enforcement will be met with a swift and decisive response from the NYPD,” she asserted.
As legal and political battles escalate, the constitutional limits of federal authority over state National Guard troops are expected to be a key point of contention in the court proceedings.
