US Supreme Court rejects Trump's bid to deploy National Guard to Chicago

December 24, 2025

The US Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deploy National Guard troops to the Chicago area against the wishes of state and local authorities. In a 6-3 decision, the Court determined that presidential power to federalize the National Guard likely applies only under exceptional circumstances, and the administration failed to demonstrate adequate legal authority for the deployment. This ruling represents an unusual break from the conservative-majority Court's recent pattern of supporting Trump administration policies.

Who is affected

Illinois residents, particularly those in the Chicago area
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and state officials
Local Chicago leaders and officials
Protesters demonstrating against federal immigration raids
National Guard troops who would have been deployed
The Trump administration and Justice Department
Residents of other Democratic-led cities facing similar deployments (New Orleans, Portland, Washington DC)

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is deploying National Guard troops to major US cities including New Orleans, Portland, and Washington DC
The administration is conducting federal immigration raids in primarily Democrat-led cities
Illinois officials and leaders are bringing legal challenges against the deployment

Why it matters

This ruling is significant because it establishes judicial limits on presidential power to federalize the National Guard without state consent, particularly in situations that do not constitute exceptional circumstances or rebellion. The decision represents a critical check on executive authority and protects state sovereignty over their own National Guard forces. It marks an important precedent as the first time the Supreme Court has ruled on Trump's troop deployment efforts, despite months of similar actions in other cities. The ruling also has broader implications for federal-state power dynamics and the balance between immigration enforcement and local autonomy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC