In recent months, President Donald Trump has sent out multiple orders to deploy the U. S. National Guard into states. Many citizens throughout the country have shown their criticism and disapproval towards this action. Lawmakers and governors have also made their responses public, showing the media their beliefs and reasoning for disagreement.
Early this month on October 5, 2025, the states of California, Oregon, and Illinois have all sued President Trump for the deployment of the National Guard to their cities. All states said it was unreasonable for President Trump to deploy troops into their city and claimed it violated the Constitution and federal law.
What led up to these events are the ongoing No Kings Day protests where people bring awareness to our economy and political issues. There have been massive backlash and controversy due to the physical violence that occurs from both active protesters and police, along with national guardsmen that take patrol during these events. The cities of Portland, Chicago, and numerous others in California have been specifically targeted by the President.
In a recent press release, California Governor Gavin Newsom explained his reasoning for the lawsuit: “The commander-in-chief is using the U.S. military as a political weapon against American citizens. We will take this fight to court, but the public cannot stay silent in the face of such recklessness and authoritarian conduct by the President of The United States.”
Since Gov. Newsom’s statement, thousands of people throughout each state have shown their support for him. President Trump claimed he has the authority to send troops to cities under the Insurrection Act of 1807. This law from the 19th century was created for any unlawful city that was deemed highly dangerous for its civilians. Meaning, the city is in such a crisis and rebellious action that streets are unsafe. Because of this, military action needs to be deployed to protect civilians and to keep order. The last time this order was used was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, when the governor of California requested help from President H.W. Bush, after unrest broke out after the arrest of Rodney King.
The states of California, Illinois, and Oregon, which Pres. Trump has deployed National Guard troops to, have some of the highest numbers of protesters, with thousands of people attending.
Speaking to ABC News program ‘The Week’ and reported by CBS News, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, “There has to be a rebellion. There has to be an insurrection in order for him to be allowed to invoke it. Again, he can say anything he wants. But if the Constitution means anything — and I guess we are all questioning that right now, but the courts will make the determination — if the Constitution means anything, the Insurrection Act cannot be invoked to send them in because they want to fight crime.” People of the city of Chicago have protested day and night, proudly telling their beliefs and opinion of both the President and country.
These lawsuits are still ongoing and will likely move up through the court system until a decision is made by the United States Supreme Court.
