Trump Withdraws National Guard from Three US Cities Amid Legal Setbacks

US President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, following a series of legal challenges against his military deployments in these cities. This decision comes after court rulings, including a significant judgment from the US Supreme Court, that have hindered his administration’s ability to maintain a military presence in these Democratic-led urban areas.

In a message shared on his Truth Social network on December 31, 2023, Trump cited a reduction in crime as a result of the National Guard’s presence, stating, “We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, despite the fact that crime has been greatly reduced by having these great patriots in those cities.” He emphasized the role of federal intervention, claiming that the cities “were GONE if it weren’t for the Federal Government stepping in.” Trump hinted at a possible return of the troops, suggesting a stronger military response could be on the horizon if crime rates rise again.

Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops has been a hallmark of his administration’s approach to issues surrounding immigration and public safety since he took office in January. The 79-year-old former reality television star previously ordered troops to Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee, and even threatened to send them to San Francisco. However, the administration had already begun scaling back deployments in light of unfavorable court decisions.

Los Angeles was the first city to see National Guard troops deployed on the streets in June, when Trump intervened to send 4,000 National Guard reservists to manage protests related to immigration policies. Local leaders criticized the move, arguing that the protests, which occurred in limited areas, could have been effectively handled by local law enforcement agencies.

On December 10, a federal judge ordered the cessation of the Los Angeles deployment and mandated the return of control over the troops to California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Following this ruling, most of the National Guard personnel had already been demobilized, with a report indicating that only 100 troops remained in Los Angeles at that time. Newsom remarked on the situation, stating, “This admission by Trump and his occult cabinet members means this illegal intimidation tactic will finally come to an end.”

Additionally, Trump’s administration had ordered military deployments from Texas and California to Chicago and Portland in early October, but as of last week, around 300 National Guard troops remained activated in the Chicago area without active engagement in operations. A judge ruled the Portland deployment unlawful in November, effectively blocking any future military actions there.

The evolving situation highlights the tensions between federal and local authorities, particularly in Democratic-led cities, as Trump continues to assert his hardline stance on immigration and crime. As legal challenges persist, the implications of these military deployments on public safety and governance in urban areas remain a contentious topic in US politics.