The power struggle between President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom has escalated into a high-stakes legal battle. Newsom filed a federal lawsuit after Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles without his approval, sparking a constitutional clash over state sovereignty and federal authority during times of civil unrest. Trump Overrides California, Federalizes National Guard President Trump invoked Title 10, Section 12406 of U.S. law to federalize California’s National Guard, ordering the deployment of 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to restore law and order. The mobilization was in direct response to violent anti-ICE protests and growing chaos in the city tied to sanctuary policies. Despite Trump’s legal authority, Governor Newsom is furious, claiming there was zero consultation from the White House before the troops were activated. The deployment could expand to 4,000 troops, and it’s already being framed as a necessary move to enforce immigration laws in a state openly defying them. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state is suing the Trump administration, claiming President Trump illegally federalized the National Guard. Read more: https://t.co/yZdvNGnytw pic.twitter.com/33p5omXflp — ABC News (@ABC) June 9, 2025 Lawsuit Challenges Federal Authority Over States California’s lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, claims Trump’s actions violate the Tenth Amendment and Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the military’s role in domestic law enforcement. State Attorney General Rob Bonta argues the president cannot seize control of a state’s National Guard without the governor’s consent unless a major insurrection or foreign threat exists. NEWS: @CAGovernor and I are suing to put a stop to President Trump’s unlawful, unprecedented order calling federalized National Guard forces into Los Angeles. The President is trying to manufacture chaos and crisis on the ground for his own political ends. This is an abuse of… pic.twitter.com/PLomWOwCxv — Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) June 9, 2025 State officials also warn the deployment could leave California unprepared for emergencies like wildfires, with Newsom calling the federal move “reckless, unlawful, and purely political.” Legal experts say the outcome of this case could set a precedent on how much power states truly have when clashing with the federal government. War of Words: Newsom vs. Trump Administration Tensions escalated after Trump’s border czar Tom Homan made headlines suggesting officials who block federal immigration raids could face arrest. Newsom challenged him directly, saying: “If he wants to arrest me, bring it.” Homan later clarified his comments, saying they were misinterpreted—but the damage was already done. Trump allies argue that California’s refusal to cooperate with ICE, combined with open defiance from its leadership, left the president no choice but to intervene. Supporters say the move is not only legal—it’s necessary to uphold national sovereignty. “When a state becomes a sanctuary for lawlessness, the president must act.” – Tom Homan Meanwhile, California’s lawsuit is likely to receive a favorable hearing, given that most judges in the district were appointed by Democratic presidents. But a ruling against Trump could still end up before the Supreme Court—where the balance of power remains more conservative. Sources: Gavin Newsom Says Trump ‘Manufactured’ Crisis in Los Angeles | TIME California says Trump’s deployment of National Guard violates state sovereignty – POLITICO