John,
President Trump crossed a line that has stood for nearly 150 years. Back in June—without Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent—Trump federalized the California National Guard and sent troops into Los Angeles. This wasn’t just an abuse of power; it’s a direct violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits using the military for domestic law enforcement without explicit congressional approval.
And now Trump has once again abused his authority and sent the National Guard into the streets of Washington, D.C., and has announced a 30-day takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police.1
Luckily, California’s leaders are fighting back. Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a federal lawsuit to block Trump’s illegal order, warning that it sets a precedent for any president to seize control of state troops at will. If they win, they protect not just California, but every state’s right to govern its forces. If they lose, any state or city could be next.
This is why it’s critical to get as many State Attorneys General to join with California in bringing suit against this lawless and reckless abuse of power.
Send an urgent message to your State Attorney General urging them to join California in opposing the Trump administration’s autocratic violation of Posse Comitatus.
The more states that get on board, the stronger the defense against this dangerous abuse of presidential power.
We can’t allow Donald Trump to set a precedent that will allow any president to override governors and turn state troops into tools of political control. That’s how democracies slide into authoritarian rule.
Take action now and urge your State Attorney General to join California in holding the Trump administration accountable.
Thank you for all you do,
Dominique Espinoza
Policy and Strategic Partnerships Manager, CHN Action
1Trump to deploy National Guard to D.C. and federalize city police
-- DEBORAH'S EMAIL --
John,
In a brazen move, even for him, Donald Trump is deploying the National Guard to the streets of Washington, D.C., and has announced a 30-day takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, to tackle what he describes as high rates of crime—even though crime is at a 30-year low in the District.1 Trump announced in a press conference that the commandeered police and National Guard would be “getting rid of the people from underpasses and public spaces from all over the city.”2
If this executive overreach goes unchecked, it paves the way for future abuse—any state, no matter the political leadership, could see its Guard federalized without consent under the guise of “emergencies” or “rebellions.” Because the District of Columbia is not a state, Trump has more leeway to flex his autocratic muscle, but he has threatened to force his way into other cities, such as Chicago.3
And of course, right now, the state of California is suing the Trump administration over violations of the Posse Comitatus Act—a federal law that bars federal troops from participating in civilian law enforcement. The lawsuit stems from the protests against Trump’s inhumane immigration policies and Trump’s response, sending in the California National Guard and the Marines to silence dissent.4
The lawsuit is a start, but we need more Attorneys General to join. Send a message directly to your State Attorney General telling them to join California in opposing the Trump administration’s use of the military on U.S. streets.
The Posse Comitatus Act exists for a reason: to protect the American people from military occupation and political crackdowns masquerading as “law enforcement.” By seizing control of the California Guard and sending troops into our cities, Trump has trampled over nearly 150 years of legal precedent meant to keep our military out of domestic policing. If he succeeds here, he will have set a dangerous precedent that any president—of any party—can override a governor’s authority and turn state troops into instruments of political power.
We must show a united front of states defending their constitutional authority. What Attorneys General do now could determine whether states retain their autonomy—or whether the president can commandeer state forces to silence our free speech rights.
Send a message to your state’s Attorney General today urging them to join California in opposing the Trump administration’s lawless dictatorial actions.
Thank you for all you do,
Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, CHN Action
1Trump seizes control of Washington DC police and deploys national guard
2 Trump says he will clear out Washington’s homeless population but offers few details.
3Trump Orders National Guard to Washington and Takeover of Capital’s Police
4Trump and California: Court to decide legality of National Guard deployment to Los Angeles
