Retired Military Leaders, Veterans Group Call on Court to Block Trump’s Politicized Deployment of California National Guard

LOS ANGELES and WASHINGTON — A group of retired senior military officers and Vet Voice Foundation (VVF), represented by the States United Democracy Center, today filed an amicus brief in Newsom v. Trump, a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The case challenges President Trump’s decision to federalize the California National Guard and deploy federal troops in Los Angeles over the objections of state and local officials.

The brief warns that politicizing the military and deploying it domestically in light of civil disturbances endangers democracy. The brief also details the consequences of politicized military deployments, such as the one in Los Angeles earlier this year, which include a loss of troop morale, erosion of the military’s apolitical reputation, and increased risk of moral injury to service members ordered to act against civilians. Represented by States United, nearly a dozen retired senior military leaders with decades of experience joined VVF, a veteran-led, non-partisan organization representing almost two million veterans, military family members, and their supporters on the brief.

“The federalization of the California National Guard and deployment of federal forces to Los Angeles against the will of state and local authorities should give any supporter of the military and military members pause,” said Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of Vet Voice Foundation. “It’s a politicization of the armed forces. Using our military as political pawns strains their apolitical reputation. National Guard members should not be acting as civilian law enforcement by patrolling our streets.”

“Federal deployment of the National Guard in this way is a dangerous departure from the long-standing collaboration among state and federal governments to uphold the law and protect the public.” said Christine P. Sun, Senior Vice President of Legal at the States United Democracy Center. “The administration made clear that it intends to send troops to communities across the country without the consent of state and local officials. Protecting against unlawful military deployment safeguards democracy for us all.”

In urging the court to uphold the district court’s injunction blocking Trump’s deployment order, amici contend that the court has an essential role in ensuring that the executive branch operates within legal limits, especially when it comes to the domestic use of military force.

Key excerpts from the brief:

• “As an organization that supports military members and families, and former senior military leaders, amici recognize that those who choose to join the National Guard or regular military are primarily driven out of a desire to serve America and their fellow citizens, not to be turned inwards against them. Having to do so harms military morale, which is an essential part of the effectiveness of any military.”
• “Gallup polling shows that the U.S. Military is the most trusted out of an array of American institutions. But a military that is thrust into aggressive interactions with civilians in a politicized context will, over time, inevitably lose the respect and trust that it currently has among the American people.”
• “In a nation of laws, not military rule, setting a precedent that allows the executive to deploy the military to any protest across the country will severely harm the military as a trusted and nonpartisan institution.”

The list of signatories includes:

• Lieutenant General (Ret.) Karen Gibson, U.S. Army
• Lieutenant General (Ret.) Claudia Kennedy, U.S. Army
• Major General (Ret.) Paul D. Eaton, U.S. Army
• Major General (Ret.) Randy Manner, U.S. Army
• Major General (Ret.) Trish Rose, U.S. Air Force
• Major General (Ret.) Linda Singh, Army National Guard
• Major General (Ret.) Tammy Smith, U.S. Army
• Brigadier General (Ret.) Steven M. Anderson, U.S. Army
• Brigadier General (Ret.) Paul G. Smith, U.S. Army
• Brigadier General (Ret.) Robin B. Umberg, U.S. Army
• Rear Admiral (LH) (Ret.) Michael S. Baker, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Read the full amicus brief here.

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About the States United Democracy Center

States United is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, secure elections. We provide direct support to state officials and law enforcement leaders as they uphold the law and our system of checks and balances, protect public safety, defend elections, and preserve our democracy. For more information, visit statesunited.org.

About Vet Voice Foundation

Vet Voice Foundation, a veteran-led 501(c)(3), mobilizes veterans to lead, advocate, and fight for a stronger, more just America. We champion policies that keep promises made to those who serve, support better lives and livelihoods for veterans and their families, protect our freedoms, and advance national security. Through education, action, and bold leadership, we lift veterans’ voices to shape the future we swore to defend.