Appeals Court Backs Trump’s Authority to Keep National Guard in Los Angeles

President Donald Trump has won a key legal victory that allows him to maintain control over National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles, following widespread protests sparked by controversial immigration raids.

In a unanimous ruling Thursday, a three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s decision that had previously blocked the deployment. The panel found it likely that Trump acted within his legal authority in federalizing the National Guard — even without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who strongly opposed the move.

The court acknowledged that presidents don’t have unlimited power to seize control of state-based Guard forces. However, the judges said the Trump administration presented enough evidence to justify its decision under current federal law. They also ruled that Governor Newsom lacked the power to override the president’s order.

Other Key Developments We’re Watching

Trump Eyes Iran Strike Decision Within Two Weeks

As tensions between Israel and Iran continue into their second week of open conflict, the White House signaled Thursday that President Trump has given himself two weeks to decide whether the U.S. will strike Iran. His press secretary noted that there’s still a “substantial chance” for renewed nuclear negotiations with Tehran — but emphasized that military options remain on the table.

Republicans Open Hearing on Biden’s Mental Fitness

The Senate Judiciary Committee held its first hearing Wednesday to scrutinize Joe Biden’s mental capacity during his presidency. Notably, none of the three witnesses had served in Biden’s administration. Democrats boycotted the hearing, calling it a political stunt with no legitimate basis.

Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

In a 6–3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors. The ruling allows the state to continue prohibiting puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender youth — even though the same medications remain legal for other medical purposes. Legal experts say the decision could shield similar laws in other states from future challenges.