A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump has the legal authority to take command of Oregon’s National Guard troops amid ongoing unrest in Portland. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court’s earlier restriction, stating that the president holds the right under federal law to assume control of state military forces when local authorities are unable to maintain order. The ruling temporarily clears the way for Trump to direct about 200 Oregon National Guard members, though no immediate deployment has occurred.
However, the actual deployment remains on hold after a separate temporary restraining order was issued by a federal judge in Oregon. State officials argue that allowing federal command over state troops sets a dangerous precedent, giving the president broad powers that could undermine state authority. The Justice Department has requested that the restraining order be lifted, while Oregon’s leadership continues to challenge the move, emphasizing the importance of constitutional checks and federal balance in such decisions.
