In a stunning legal twist, California Governor Gavin Newsom finds himself once again on the defensive after a federal appeals court issued a stay on a judge’s order that would have ᵴtriƥped President Donald Trump of his authority to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles. Just hours after confidently announcing that the National Guard would be under his command, Newsom was left scrambling as the Ninth Circuit intervened, halting his plans and leaving the city vulnerable amid ongoing unrest.

The drama unfolded when a federal judge ruled that Trump’s deployment of the National Guard was illegal, claiming it violated the 10th Amendment and failed to follow proper procedures. Newsom seized the moment, declaring victory and suggesting Trump would be relieved of command by noon. But that victory was short-lived. The appeals court swiftly granted Trump’s emergency motion, effectively reversing the lower court’s ruling and allowing the National Guard to remain active in Los Angeles.

Trump wasted no time in celebrating his legal win, asserting that had he not intervened, Los Angeles would be “burning to the ground.” The chaos in the streets has escalated, with protests turning violent as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, throwing rocks, fireworks, and even Molotov cocktails. The judge’s ruling, now stayed, had attempted to downplay the severity of the protests, branding them as mostly peaceful despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

As tensions rise and the city braces for more unrest, Newsom’s credibility is in question. His bold claims have crumbled, leaving him to navigate the fallout of a legal battle that has laid bare the complexities of state versus federal authority. With the appeals court set to hold a remote hearing next week, all eyes will be on California as the legal showdown continues, and the stakes remain high for both Newsom and Trump.