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In a dramatic escalation of tensions between state and federal leadership, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Sunday that his administration will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration after President Donald Trump federalized 300 California National Guard troops and deployed them to Oregon — a move critics say defies a federal court order and undermines states’ rights.
The decision to deploy troops from one state into another comes just one day after a federal judge blocked Trump’s earlier attempt to federalize and deploy Oregon’s own National Guard in Portland. The move has reignited fierce debate over executive authority, state sovereignty, and the use of the military in civil unrest.
Newsom: “A Breathtaking Abuse of Power”
Governor Newsom, a Democrat, condemned the president’s actions as illegal and unconstitutional.
“In response to a federal court order that blocked his attempt to federalize the Oregon National Guard, President Trump is deploying 300 California National Guard personnel into Oregon,” Newsom said in a statement Sunday.
“This is a breathtaking abuse of the law and power. The Trump Administration is unapologetically attacking the rule of law itself.”
Newsom’s office confirmed that the California troops were activated under federal authority and sent to Portland, despite no request from Oregon officials. Newsom vowed to challenge the action in federal court early this week.
White House Defends Move, Calls It “Lawful Authority”
The White House pushed back against the criticism, defending the deployment as a necessary step to protect federal assets.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement:
“President Trump exercised his lawful authority to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following violent riots and attacks on law enforcement. For once, Gavin Newscum should stand on the side of law-abiding citizens instead of violent criminals destroying Portland.”
The statement echoed the president’s ongoing rhetoric about “law and order”, which has become a central theme in his 2025 campaign messaging.
Troops Already Arriving in Oregon
According to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, more than 100 federalized California National Guard members landed in Oregon late Saturday, with additional units expected throughout the week.
“This action appears to intentionally circumvent yesterday’s federal court ruling,” Kotek said.
“There is no insurrection in Portland. No national security threat. Oregon is not a battlefield.”
Kotek reiterated her opposition to military intervention in local protests, calling it a dangerous precedent.
Federal Judge Blocked Trump’s Oregon Guard Activation
The latest deployment follows a federal court ruling Saturday by U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut, a Trump appointee, who issued a temporary restraining order blocking Trump’s attempt to federalize Oregon’s own National Guard.
In her ruling, Judge Immergut cited the Posse Comitatus Act and the nation’s foundational resistance to military involvement in domestic affairs.
“This country has a longstanding and foundational tradition of resistance to government overreach, especially in the form of military intrusion into civil affairs,” the ruling read.
The order remains in effect until October 18, but Trump’s new approach — using troops from another state — raises novel legal questions.
Broader Political Battle Over State Control
The Trump administration’s deployment strategy has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic governors nationwide, who accuse the president of politicizing the military and violating state sovereignty.
In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker condemned similar discussions about deploying troops to Chicago, calling the idea “outrageous and un-American.”
“It is absolutely outrageous to demand a Governor send military troops within our borders and against our will,” Pritzker said Saturday.
Before this weekend, Trump had also federalized National Guard troops in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., both of which sparked lawsuits and judicial rebukes.
Protests and Public Outcry
Across multiple U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, and San Francisco, demonstrators have gathered outside federal buildings, protesting the use of military force in domestic disputes.
Protesters carried signs reading “States’ Rights Matter” and “No Military in Our Streets.”
Many have warned that Trump’s actions represent a creeping form of martial law.
What’s Next: Legal Showdown Looms
Governor Newsom’s lawsuit is expected to be filed in federal court early this week, likely seeking an emergency injunction to block the federalization order.
Legal experts predict a fast-tracked case, with potential implications reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, as the courts weigh the limits of presidential authority under Title 10 and the Constitution.
This unfolding conflict underscores a growing rift between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states — one that could define the political and constitutional landscape heading into the 2026 elections.
Key Takeaways
Newsom to sue Trump over federalizing 300 California National Guard troops.
Troops deployed to Oregon after a court blocked Trump’s plan to use Oregon’s Guard.
Newsom calls move an “abuse of power” and violation of state authority.
White House defends action as needed to protect federal assets amid Portland protests.
Oregon Gov. Kotek condemns deployment, calling it a court workaround.
Experts warn of a looming constitutional showdown over state vs. federal power.
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