Trump’s use of the National Guard sets up a legal clash testing presidential power
October 6, 2025
President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the military on U.S. soil is sparking conflict with blue state governors that is playing out in the courts. Legal experts say Trump’s attempt to deploy California National Guard members to Oregon and Texas Guardsmen to Illinois hasn’t been seen before and is likely to be scrutinized by the courts. Leaders in Democrat-led Illinois, Oregon and California have challenged Trump’s move. This situation raises significant questions of constitutional law and federalism. Trump envisions a stronger role for the military on U.S. soil and has said troops should consider American cities a “training ground.”