Newsom Threatens Lawsuit Over National Guard Deployment

California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed his intention to sue the Trump administration if the National Guard is deployed to San Francisco. In a post on X, he warned, “Send troops to San Francisco and I will sue you, @realDonaldTrump.” During a news conference, he emphasized his determination, stating that he would file a lawsuit immediately if any troops are sent to one of the largest cities in the U.S.

Newsom was quite clear about California’s stance, saying that officials “will fight back with clarity and conviction,” and he firmly believes they will win in court.

This reaction comes after President Trump mentioned in an interview that the National Guard had already been sent to various cities—including Los Angeles and Chicago—to tackle crime and support immigration enforcement, with plans to send troops to San Francisco next. “We’re going to San Francisco,” Trump noted, citing past issues that the city has faced.

According to reports, the administration will also dispatch personnel from Customs and Border Protection and the Alameda Coast Guard Station to San Francisco.

In a recent statement, Newsom criticized the federal government’s approach, asserting that it undermines state authority. He labeled Trump’s administration a “would-be tyrant” and said, “We do not turn a blind eye to abuses of power.” He emphasized the importance of law and the need for accountability, reminding everyone that California would stand firm against overreach.

Highlighting the city’s declining homicide rate, Newsom noted that San Francisco is increasingly safe, a sentiment echoed by the city’s mayor, who also emphasized safety in the area.

While the mayor expressed support for federal assistance in combatting drug trafficking, he opposed the idea of sending the National Guard. He pointed out that the National Guard lacks the legal authority to arrest drug traffickers and argues that their presence won’t effectively address issues like fentanyl distribution on the streets.

Earlier in the summer, California officials had already filed a lawsuit against the federal government over similar troop deployments to Los Angeles aimed at controlling anti-ICE protests. Newsom concluded his latest remarks by calling for peace in the community amidst what he perceives as chaos incited by the Trump administration.