California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Sunday his intention to sue President Donald Trump over the deployment of California State Guard troops to Oregon, aimed at safeguarding federal officers from disturbances in Portland.
This announcement followed a ruling by a Trump-appointed federal judge, Karen Immergut, who blocked the president from sending the Oregon National Guard to intervene in the riots protesting U.S. immigration and customs enforcement (ICE).
Oregon Public Radio reported: “This is a constitutional state, not martial law,” she stated, emphasizing the risks of blurring civil and military authority.
In addition, reporter Julie Kelly highlighted that the Justice Department wasn’t given an opportunity to respond to the injunction request before it was issued. Consequently, the administration is pursuing legal action for clarification.
Newsom conveyed his threat in a press statement on Sunday:
In reaction to a federal court order that stopped Trump’s attempt to mobilize the Oregon National Guard, President Trump has dispatched 300 California National Guard personnel to Oregon. They are already there. This constitutes a shocking misuse of law and authority. The Trump administration has recklessly undermined the rule of law, disregarding court orders and appointing judges who serve as political adversaries.
This is not about ensuring public safety; it’s about exerting power. The commander is using the U.S. military as a political tool against American citizens. We are prepared to challenge this in court, but in light of such reckless and authoritarian behavior from the President, the public can’t just stand by in silence.
Earlier this year, Newsom had also tried unsuccessfully to prevent Trump from mobilizing the California State Guard in a related situation.
