Trump claims “a great victory”: his troops continue to be deployed in California

On 20 June, the federal appeals court gave Donald Trump the green light: he can control the deployment of National Guard troops in California, specifically in Los Angeles, in response to the wave of protests against his immigration policy. 

And while the Californian authorities remain firmly opposed, the American president could not hide his delight at the judges' decision. “It’s a great victory,” announced Trump on his Truth Social network. 

Three judges from the San Francisco court stated, in a 38-page ruling, that “the fact that the president didn't issue the federalization order directly 'through' the governor of California doesn't limit his otherwise legal authority to call up the National Guard". The White House occupant is therefore authorised to mobilise the 4,000 National Guard members in California, in order to “protect officials” as well as federal buildings.

Within the scope of his authority

And Trump responded again on his platform: “Across the United States, if our cities and fellow citizens need protection, it's up to us to provide it if the State or local police are unable to, for whatever reason.” According to the federal appeals court, the American president has “likely acted within the scope of his authority” in mobilising “regular forces to execute the laws of the United States”, “in accordance with long-standing case law.”

For several weeks now, those opposed to Trump’s immigration policy have been protesting in the streets of Los Angeles, leading to numerous “forceful” arrests. 

(MH with Manon Pierre – Source: L’Indépendant – Illustration: ©Unsplash)