President Donald Trump federalized the troops earlier this month to handle unrest in Los Angeles following immigration-related protests|@POTUS|X

A federal appeals court has allowed President Donald Trump to retain control of around 4,000 California National Guard troops.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals paused a lower court ruling that ordered Trump to return authority to the state.

Trump federalized the troops earlier this month to handle unrest in Los Angeles following immigration-related protests.

The court ruled the president likely acted within his legal authority, citing a law that permits federalization when local forces can’t enforce US laws.

The panel included two Trump appointees and one Biden appointee. California may now ask the Supreme Court to intervene. A new hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Meanwhile, protests have cooled in LA, but legal battles over the guardsmen role continue.