Appeals Court Rules Trump Can Command Oregon Troops, Deployment Halted

UPDATE: A U.S. appeals court has just ruled that President Donald Trump can assume command of 200 Oregon National Guard troops. However, deployment remains blocked—at least for now. This urgent decision came from a 2-1 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday, October 23, 2023.

The court’s ruling temporarily lifts an earlier order preventing Trump from taking command of the troops, which has significant implications for military operations in Oregon. While the administration is pushing for a full reversal of the deployment ban, Oregon’s Attorney General has announced plans to challenge this new ruling.

In a statement, the Attorney General expressed concerns over the potential deployment, emphasizing the necessity for a broader appeals panel to reconsider the court’s decision. “This ruling raises urgent questions about the authority and safety of our troops,” he stated.

The legal battle illustrates the ongoing tensions between state and federal authority regarding the National Guard’s deployment. As developments continue to unfold, both sides are preparing for further legal arguments that could impact not only Oregon but also set precedents for future military command issues.

This situation remains fluid, with the potential for rapid changes in the court’s decisions. Observers are urged to stay alert for updates that could affect the deployment of the Oregon National Guard troops.

As this story develops, it underscores the critical intersection of military authority and state governance in the United States.