The Supreme Court of the United States has temporarily blocked a Trump administration plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, marking a significant ruling on the limits of federal power over state-controlled forces.
The decision halts an executive action that would have allowed the federal government to mobilise National Guard units without the consent of state leaders. The court’s order came in response to legal challenges arguing that such a move would violate constitutional principles governing state authority and civilian control of the military.
The proposed deployment was part of a broader effort by former president Donald Trump to expand federal involvement in domestic security operations, particularly in cities facing unrest or rising crime. Critics argued the plan risked politicising the Guard and undermining the role of governors as commanders of their state units.
State officials supporting the challenge said the ruling reinforces the constitutional balance between federal and state powers, ensuring that National Guard deployments within states require clear legal justification. Legal experts noted that while the president has authority in limited circumstances, unilateral deployments raise complex constitutional questions.
The court’s action may also influence similar lawsuits brought by other states concerned about federal overreach. Attorneys general have argued that allowing such deployments could set a precedent enabling future administrations to bypass state governments in domestic law enforcement matters.
The case is expected to continue through lower courts, with the Supreme Court’s order remaining in place while legal arguments are fully considered. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in resolving disputes over executive authority and federalism in the United States.
