Newsom vows to challenge Trump's deployment of National Guard to Oregon

In the United States, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on October 4, 2025, that he plans to take legal action against President Donald Trump's deployment of 300 California National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. This announcement followed a federal judge's ruling that blocked Trump from sending the Oregon National Guard to address protests at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building, which had been the center of nightly demonstrations. The judge, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, ruled that Trump's Order was a violation of federal law and the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing that the protests in Portland were not severe enough to warrant military intervention. In his statement, Governor Newsom described the deployment as a "breathtaking abuse of the law and power," asserting that it reflected a disregard for judicial authority and state sovereignty. He criticized the Trump administration for treating court orders as irrelevant and claimed that the actions of the federal government were more about political power than public safety. Newsom's administration, which had previously federalized the California National Guard for other state needs, now found itself in direct conflict with the federal government over this military deployment. The legal battle escalated as Newsom vowed to move forward with litigation against the federal government to prevent the deployment of California troops to Oregon. The conflict not only highlights the tensions between state and federal authority but also raises questions about the appropriate use of military force for domestic law enforcement purposes. As the situation unfolds, it is evident that the implications of this deployment extend beyond Oregon, touching on fundamental issues of governance and the balance of powers among state and federal entities. Furthermore, discussions continue about the role of military presence in domestic matters, particularly amid ongoing protests. Democratic leaders, including Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, have voiced their disapproval of the need for military presence, framing it as unnecessary for maintaining law and order. As legal proceedings gear up, the involvement of the California National Guard in Oregon becomes a central point of contention between state leaders and the Trump administration, which feels justified in its actions to protect federal property.