A federal appeals court has allowed President Donald Trump to keep National Guard troops deployed in Washington, DC, for now, blocking a lower court order that would have required their removal.
In a unanimous ruling, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit indefinitely paused the lower court’s decision while it reviews the city’s legal challenge.
The court said Trump is likely to prevail, citing Washington’s unique status as a federal district under presidential authority.
🚨Appeals court hands Trump a win over D.C. National Guard deployment, allowing troops to remain in city while litigation continues
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) December 17, 2025
Judges wrote in a preliminary order that the National Guard can stay for now and that the Trump administration is likely to succeed in its appeal… pic.twitter.com/Qz7u00xTnQ
Judge Patricia Millett wrote that forcing an immediate withdrawal would cause major disruption to thousands of Guard members who have already served for months.
The panel also said the deployment involves protecting federal property and government operations in the nation’s capital.
The ruling allows the troops to remain in DC through at least late February. The case follows heightened scrutiny after two Guard members were shot last month. The appeals court will next consider the merits of DC’s lawsuit, which could still alter the outcome.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
