What Is the National Guard, and Who Controls It?

The National Guard is a state-based military force composed of part-time soldiers, which can be activated by either a governor or the president. Recent legal disputes have arisen regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in various urban areas, particularly in response to civil unrest. A Tennessee judge has temporarily blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, stating that the case raises important questions about the use of state military forces for domestic law enforcement purposes (The New York Times). In a broader context, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is reviewing an order that prevents President Trump from deploying National Guard soldiers in Portland. This legal challenge is part of ongoing disputes concerning the deployment of National Guard troops in cities such as Chicago. The appeals court has previously ruled that National Guard troops can remain under the control of the Trump administration, but it has upheld a temporary ruling that prohibits their deployment in the Chicago area while legal challenges continue (The New York Times). Local leaders are also expressing their views on the necessity of National Guard troops. In New York City, mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has argued against the need for National Guard troops, indicating that local authorities are engaging with federal officials regarding troop deployment amid ongoing tensions and protests. Additionally, Oklahoma's Republican Governor Kevin Stitt has criticized the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago, stating that “Oklahomans would lose their mind” if troops were sent to their state (The New York Times). The complexities surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops are further illustrated by the varied responses from governors and the ongoing legal evaluations. In Texas and Virginia, governors have activated National Guard troops in anticipation of planned protests against President Trump, reflecting a nationwide response to civil unrest (BBC). Meanwhile, a judge in Portland has permanently blocked the National Guard's deployment, asserting that the Trump administration failed to demonstrate that protesters were obstructing the president's policies (The New York Times).