White House Criticism Over Blocked National Guard Deployment
The White House expressed strong disapproval after a federal judge temporarily halted the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, stemming from President Donald Trump’s plan in response to ongoing immigration protests. The judge emphasized Trump’s authority in such matters, claiming it was “incontroversial.”
U.S. District Judge Karin Imargat issued the ruling late Sunday, preventing California State Guard troops from being sent to Oregon. Trump has been pushing to utilize military forces in major cities to address crime and oversee immigration enforcement at ICE facilities.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt shared her thoughts on the ruling, indicating that the administration is seeking to counter the decision through legal means. “I think her opinion is overlooked in both reality and law,” she remarked. “The President operates under his authority as Commander-in-Chief and has the right to call up the National Guard if he deems it necessary. The ICE facility is, frankly, under siege.”
Leavitt’s comments reflect a broader argument that Trump’s administration maintains about their constitutional powers. Meanwhile, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller criticized the ruling as one of the “most malicious” orders he had witnessed, arguing that judges do not have the authority to limit the President’s actions as Commander-in-Chief.
“This ruling represents a severe violation of constitutional order,” Miller stated. He added that the ongoing situation is fundamentally about stopping the removal of individuals violating immigration laws.
Notably, the temporary restraining order came just hours after Trump authorized the mobilization of California State Guard troops to Portland, despite an earlier ruling that restricted the Oregon National Guard’s deployment.
During a telephone hearing, Immergut warned against violating her temporary order, questioning whether the defendants had disregarded her ruling. The Trump administration insisted that deploying the National Guard was critical for protecting ICE officials amidst protests.
Miller stated that previous court orders against deploying troops were inappropriate, emphasizing that such actions were necessary for the safety of personnel and the maintenance of laws and public order.
As tensions rise, various political figures, including New York Democrat Daniel Goldman, are publicly criticizing the judge for her rulings, characterizing them as extreme. The political landscape seems particularly charged, as recent efforts by Trump to send National Guard troops followed his comments about addressing “internal enemies” in U.S. cities.
This ongoing situation touches upon significant legal questions surrounding the deployment of military forces in domestic affairs, specifically concerning the restrictions imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. National Guard forces usually operate under the authority of state governments, responding to local and federal needs, including disaster responses, though Trump has voiced the intention to utilize them in immigration enforcement scenarios.
In light of the ruling, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on social media, “We just won in court—again,” criticizing Trump for his alleged overreach of power.
