November 21, 2025
Judge gives Trump administration weeks to appeal before enforcing ruling that found deployment unconstitutional
Federal 
Judge Jia Cobb ruled Nov. 21, 2025, that Trump lacks constitutional and statutory authority to deploy National Guard troops to Washington DC 'for the deterrence of crime.' The Constitution gives Congress exclusive authority over the District of Columbia under Article I Section 8. Trump deployed National Guard soldiers to DC in early 2025 without congressional authorization.
Judge Cobb declared the deployment illegal but postponed enforcement until Dec. 11 to allow Trump administration time to appeal. The deployment continued after the ruling pending appeal. Trump claimed DC crime rates justified military presence. The ruling found Trump exceeded presidential military authority by using armed forces for domestic law enforcement.
The Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits using federal military forces for domestic law enforcement. DC's unique status as federal district creates constitutional questions about military deployment. Trump bypassed Congress to station troops in the capital. The judge found no statutory exception allowing the deployment.
In which federal court was this case decided?
When did Judge Cobb issue her ruling on the DC National Guard deployment?
This ruling came in the context of what broader Trump administration policy?
How did the Trump administration respond to Judge Cobb's ruling?
What specific action did Judge Cobb rule was unlawful?
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Contact DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton about court ruling
DC's delegate can file motions supporting the ruling and demanding troop withdrawal
