The deployment of the National Guard has become a focal point of legal and public debate across the United States [1, 10]. From challenges to federal authority to public disapproval of out-of-state deployments, the role and control of the National Guard are under intense scrutiny.
Legal Battles Over Deployment Authority
The legal authority of the President to deploy the National Guard has faced significant challenges in recent months [10, 15]. In one instance, a U.S. district judge ruled that the federalization and deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in June violated the Posse Comitatus Act [6]. The court cited the troops performing law enforcement functions, such as setting up traffic blockades and engaging in crowd control [6]. Similarly, an appeals court is reconsidering whether to allow the deployment of the National Guard to Oregon [15]. A trial is underway in U.S. District Court before Judge Karin Immergut, who previously blocked federal troop deployments to the state [16, 17]. The city of Portland, along with the states of Oregon and California, are arguing that the facts do not meet the legal threshold for the president to federalize and deploy the guard [16].
The ability to deploy the National Guard stems from the Militia Act of 1903, which followed U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War [4, 7]. This act modernized the National Guard, assigning control to state governors unless federalized [4]. When federalized, National Guard troops report to the President, similar to active-duty personnel [4]. However, the use of the National Guard for law enforcement purposes remains a contentious issue [3]. Brookings Institution governance studies fellow Scott R. Anderson noted that the D.C. National Guard is not subject to Posse Comitatus Act limitations in the same way and can participate in different types of law enforcement [3].
Public Opinion and National Events
Beyond the legal arena, public opinion regarding National Guard deployments is divided [1]. A recent statewide survey in Texas revealed that a majority of Texans oppose the deployment of the Texas National Guard for law enforcement in cities out of state [1]. This sentiment underscores the complex relationship between state and federal control over the National Guard and the public's perception of its appropriate use [1, 4].
In other news, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee has selected Tampa Bay to host the 2029 CFP National Championship at Raymond James Stadium on Monday, January 22, 2029 [8, 14]. The 2025-26 College Football Playoff schedule has also been released, marking the second year of the 12-team format [12, 13]. These events highlight the intersection of national events and local communities, drawing attention and resources to host cities [8, 14]. Meanwhile, National Nurses United has voiced concerns over SNAP cutoffs and rising ACA premiums, warning of dire consequences for patients [5]. Internationally, the United Nations continues to call for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba [19].
TL;DR
- Legal challenges persist regarding the President's authority to deploy the National Guard, particularly for law enforcement purposes [6, 15].
- Public opinion in Texas indicates opposition to deploying the state's National Guard for law enforcement in other states [1].
- Tampa Bay will host the 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship [8, 14].
- The UN has again called for an end to the US embargo on Cuba [19].