A federal judge has delivered a significant blow to the Trump administration, declaring that the ongoing deployment of National Guard troops in Washington DC is unlawful. The ruling represents the latest development in the continuing legal battle between the former president and the judicial system.
Court Delivers Landmark Ruling
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, Judge Jia Michelle Cobb of the District Court for DC determined that the Trump administration had overstepped its authority. The ruling specifically found that deploying National Guard units for non-military crime deterrence operations violated DC's Home Rule Act.
The controversy began when troops were first sent to the nation's capital on August 11, 2025, as President Trump sought to address rising violent crime rates in the District of Columbia. Now, more than three months later, the legal dispute continues to unfold in the courts, with this latest ruling marking a pivotal moment.
Constitutional Implications
The judge's decision centres on the interpretation of the Home Rule Act, which grants Washington DC certain self-governance powers. The court found that using military personnel for domestic law enforcement purposes without proper authorisation represents a significant overreach of federal power.
This ruling immediately prohibits the Trump administration from maintaining National Guard troops in Washington DC specifically for crime-deterrence operations. The case highlights the ongoing tension between federal authority and local governance in the nation's capital.
What Happens Next?
Legal experts suggest this ruling could have far-reaching consequences for how federal forces are deployed in American cities. The decision reinforces limitations on presidential power regarding domestic military deployments and strengthens local governance protections.
As this story continues to develop, all eyes will be on the administration's response and whether they will appeal the decision. The ruling represents a significant check on executive power and could set important precedents for future deployments of National Guard units in American cities.
