A federal appeals court temporarily allowed President Trump to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles to quell anti-ICE protests, rejecting, however, his claim of unreviewable authority. Trump misinterpreted the ruling as a complete victory, using it to threaten nationwide National Guard deployments whenever he deems it necessary. This decision hinges on the court’s acceptance of the administration’s claim that protests impede federal law enforcement, despite evidence to the contrary and the court’s granting of excessive deference to the president’s assertion. The ruling raises serious concerns about the president’s willingness to abuse his power and the judiciary’s ability to restrain him.
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A federal appeals court upheld President Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard during immigration raids, overturning a temporary restraining order. This decision, celebrated by Trump on Truth Social, affirmed the president’s power to federalize the National Guard when necessary to enforce federal law. Trump subsequently threatened to utilize the National Guard in other American cities facing similar situations, suggesting a broader deployment strategy. The ruling hinges on the president’s power to act when regular forces are insufficient.
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The Wall Street Journal’s report, corroborated by Reuters, detailing President Trump’s private approval of attack plans against Iran, pending a final order, presents a complex situation. It suggests a strategic approach where military options are prepared in advance, contingent on Iran’s actions regarding its nuclear program.
This isn’t necessarily an unusual practice; it’s fairly standard procedure for military planners to develop contingency plans for various scenarios. The key difference here is the public revelation of this pre-authorization. The timing of the leak raises questions about its intent; it could be a deliberate leak to influence Iran’s behavior, a negotiation tactic, or simply a security breach.… Continue reading
A resurfaced 2020 video shows President Trump stating that National Guard deployment requires a governor’s request, directly contradicting his recent actions in California. Despite California Governor Newsom’s request to withdraw the National Guard, Trump deployed 2,000 troops to Los Angeles, leading to arrests and escalating violence. Newsom subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging Trump illegally federalized the National Guard and threatened to deploy troops to other states without governors’ consent. Trump responded by suggesting Newsom’s arrest.
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This memorandum authorizes the deployment of up to 2,000 National Guard personnel, for a period of 60 days or as deemed necessary by the Secretary of Defense, to protect federal personnel and property from violence related to immigration enforcement. The deployment is in response to recent incidents and credible threats against ICE and other federal agencies. The Secretary of Defense may also utilize additional regular Armed Forces personnel as needed and must consult with the Attorney General and Homeland Security Secretary before withdrawing personnel. This action is taken under the President’s constitutional authority.
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A DeSmog investigation reveals over 50 high-level Trump administration officials, including 70% of his Cabinet, have ties to Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation plan to expand executive power and shrink the government. Many of these officials directly contributed to or worked for groups behind the plan’s “Mandate for Leadership” document. This contradicts Trump’s repeated denials of involvement, as numerous administration policies directly align with Project 2025’s proposals. The findings highlight the significant influence of Project 2025 despite its low public approval.
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A US trade court ruled President Trump’s sweeping tariffs illegal, exceeding his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Trump administration immediately appealed, seeking a stay from the ruling to prevent what it called irreparable economic harm, and plans to take the case to the Supreme Court. The ruling invalidated tariff orders issued under the IEEPA, requiring new orders within ten days, but industry-specific tariffs remain unaffected. While the White House denounced the decision as judicial overreach, the ruling was celebrated in global financial markets.
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A US federal court blocked President Trump’s global tariffs, ruling that the invoked emergency law didn’t grant him unilateral authority to impose them. The court cited the Constitution’s grant of commerce regulation power to Congress. The Trump administration plans to appeal, while various parties, including affected businesses and states, celebrated the decision. Global markets reacted positively to the ruling, although the long-term effects remain uncertain pending appeals.
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A federal court blocked President Trump’s broad use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, halting a key component of his trade policy. The ruling, from the U.S. Court of International Trade, found that Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While some tariffs imposed under different legal authorities remain, the decision represents a significant legal setback for the administration. The White House has appealed the ruling, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court review.
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In his new book, investor Ray Dalio compares President Trump’s policies to those of 1930s far-right regimes, highlighting Trump’s aggressive expansion of executive power exceeding even that of predecessors like Jackson and Roosevelt. Dalio questions whether Trump is a demagogue, leveraging emotional appeals to bypass other government branches and control the media. This strongman approach stems from America’s deep political polarization, fostering a confrontational governing style that prioritizes dictation over bipartisan cooperation. The author emphasizes the risks of Trump’s cost-cutting measures and the need to monitor the well-being of the lower 60% of the population.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood