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July 31, 2025
William Upton
Economy
World

Trump Labels India and Russia ‘Dead Economies’ Amid Trade Dispute.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced new tariffs on India, set to take effect tomorrow, while criticizing India’s economic ties with Russia and high Indian tariffs.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Indian government officials, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and the BRICS bloc.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tariffs take effect Friday; statements made on Truth Social and in Indian government responses over the past two days.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Analysts estimate a $10 billion impact on Indian exporters.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump took aim at two key members of the BRICS economic bloc early Thursday morning, slamming Russia and India, the latter specifically for having not reached a bilateral trade agreement with the United States. A number of nations, including Japan and South Korea, along with the European Union (EU), have scrambled to reach deals ahead of Trump’s tariff deadline on August 1 after trade duties were initially announced at the America First leader’s “Liberation Day” event in April.

“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He continued, with special ire for Russia’s former president and the current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev: “Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!”

Medvedev has written in a July 28 social media post, “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia… Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran,” adding: “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe [Biden] road!”

Trump announced that India would face a 25 percent tariff plus penalties for trading with Russia starting Friday. The Indian government has since responded, emphasizing that any deal must be “mutually beneficial” and protect its farmers and small businesses. Analysts at Mumbai-based Axis Bank estimate the tariffs could have a $10 billion impact on Indian exporters.

This dispute comes months after Vice President J.D. Vance visited India in April, calling the U.S.-India relationship a “win-win partnership” and advocating for stronger ties in energy and defense trade. However, Vance—and much of the America First movement—has also been critical of India’s abuse of the United States’s H1-B visa system, which Indians have used to flood the U.S. with cheap foreign labor.

While BRICS sees itself as being capable of launching an alternative competitor to the U.S. dollar, the bloc’s member states—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—all lack stable or internationally attractive currencies. Additionally, most BRICS member economies either heavily rely on exports to the United States, are entirely leveraged on resource extraction, or, in the case of Iran, barely function.

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47 minutes ago
UK
War

Boots on the Ground: Britain Confirms Death of Paratrooper Assisting Ukrainian Forces.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Lance Corporal George Hooley, a British paratrooper, died in Ukraine while assisting Ukrainian forces.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment and Ukrainian forces.

📍WHEN & WHERE: December 2025, in Ukraine, away from the front lines.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.” – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

🎯IMPACT: The death of the elite paratrooper underlines the fact that Britain, a NATO power, has military personnel on the ground in Ukraine, actively aiding Ukrainian forces against Russia.

IN FULL

A British soldier who died while deployed in Ukraine has been formally identified as Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment. The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) said he was killed in a “tragic accident” on Tuesday morning while watching Ukrainian troops test a new defensive system.

During Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to him, saying: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability. His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”

The MoD later issued its own statement confirming his identity and offering condolences: “It is with sadness that we must confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine on Tuesday 9th December is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old. Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Hooley’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

The Parachute Regiment, based mainly at Merville Barracks in Colchester, is one of the British Army’s elite airborne units. The government has previously acknowledged that a “small number” of British personnel are present in Ukraine, supposedly in roles supporting diplomatic security and assisting Ukrainian forces in certain training missions. The Kremlin has long claimed that British troops are actively assisting Ukrainian offensive operations.

Thousands of volunteers from the United States, Europe, and elsewhere have joined Ukrainian formations, such as the International Legion, in a more informal capacity. Several reports have highlighted allegations by foreign volunteers that non-Ukrainian fighters were discouraged or prevented from leaving Ukraine after signing on, and that casualty rates among foreign recruits have been high.

Image by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street.

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13 hours ago
Health
News

FDA Probing Deaths Possibly Tied to COVID Vaccine.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating deaths potentially linked to COVID-19 vaccines.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The FDA, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesman Andrew Nixon, and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Investigation ongoing in the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “FDA is doing a thorough investigation, across multiple age groups, of deaths potentially related to COVID vaccines.” – Andrew Nixon

🎯IMPACT: The investigation raises further concerns about vaccine safety and transparency in FDA processes.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating reports of deaths linked to COVID-19 vaccinations. HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said the agency “is doing a thorough investigation, across multiple age groups, of deaths potentially related to COVID vaccines.”

The inquiry initially centered on possible fatalities among children, a review launched in September by Commissioner Marty Makary. That effort expanded after a leaked memo from a senior FDA official claimed the vaccines had been associated with “at least 10 infant deaths,” although the document reportedly did not include evidence to substantiate the allegation. The investigation has since broadened to examine reports involving other age groups as well.

Most COVID vaccine side effects are relatively mild and temporary, such as fatigue, fever, or arm soreness. However, serious reactions—including myocarditis, pericarditis, or severe allergic responses—have also been observed.

In 2025, the FDA required manufacturers of the mRNA vaccines used in the United States to update their product labeling with refined risk estimates for myocarditis and pericarditis. The updated data indicated that these conditions occur in only a small number of vaccinated individuals, with higher rates among adolescent and young adult males. According to the agency, these safety updates do not alter their overall assessment that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks for most people.

At this stage, the FDA has not confirmed any causal connection between COVID-19 vaccines and the deaths under review. Officials say they will assess all available evidence before drawing conclusions and will release findings once the investigation is complete.

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13 hours ago
News
World

EU Accuses U.S. of Undermining European ‘Unity.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: European Union (EU) officials are upset that the U.S. National Security Strategy views the EU as in decline and opposed to U.S. interests.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: European Union (EU) Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, and the broader Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The National Security Strategy was released last week; Kubilius commented on it on December 10.

💬KEY QUOTE: The agenda of the EU is “utterly adverse to the U.S.” – Christopher Landau

🎯IMPACT: The U.S. strategy could lead to fewer U.S. troops in Europe and a shift in relations with the EU.

IN FULL

In a blog post on December 10, Andrius Kubilius, the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Defense and Space, complained that the new 2025 United States National Security Strategy (NSS) is a “direct challenge to European unity.” The NSS, signed by President Donald J. Trump, portrays Europe as a continent in decline, warning that it faces “civilisational erasure” if migration, demographic change, and excessive regulation and censorship continue. It argues that Europe’s economic slump and internal policies weaken the continent’s reliability as an ally and predicts that parts of Europe could be “unrecognizable” within two decades.

The strategy implicitly supports nationalist and populist political movements in some EU countries. According to media reports, an unpublished version of the document singled out nations such as Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland as potential partners for America to draw away from the EU.

In response, Kubilius said the strategy clearly signals U.S. intent to “fight against European unity.” He warned that the document frames EU institutions, migration policies, and Europe’s evolving identity as threats to U.S. strategic interests.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has reportedly said the EU’s agenda is “utterly adverse to the U.S.” and does not align with the Trump administration on China. The NSS also includes a Global Posture Review, which will determine U.S. troop deployments worldwide, including in Europe, under the reshaped strategic priorities.

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14 hours ago
News

War Sec Hegseth Hails Court Victory Upholding Transgender Military Ban.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal appeals court has allowed the Pentagon’s restrictions on military service by transgenders to remain in effect while litigation continues.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Department of War, plaintiffs challenging the policy, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued Tuesday by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, as litigation continues in the Talbott v. United States case.

💬KEY QUOTE: “American Greatness. Military Lethality. Common Sense. And THE LAW.” – Pete Hegseth.

🎯IMPACT: The ruling allows the Pentagon to enforce the transgender ban immediately, affecting thousands of service members and setting the stage for further legal battles.

IN FULL

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has granted the Pentagon’s request for its restrictions on transgender military service to remain in effect while a lawsuit continues. Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao authored the majority opinion, concluding that the Department of War is likely to succeed on the merits and that the lower court failed to provide appropriate deference to military judgment. War Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the ruling on X, writing, “American Greatness. Military Lethality. Common Sense. And THE LAW.”

He called the decision a “major legal victory” and argued that maintaining strict medical and readiness standards is essential for the armed forces. Hegseth has frequently criticized policies he views as driven by ideology, saying, “No more pronouns. No more climate change obsession. No more dudes in dresses – we’re done with that s**t.”

The decision ensures that the Pentagon will continue enforcing its restrictions while the case, Talbott v. United States, moves forward. The policy aligns with Executive Order 14183, issued in January 2025, which directs the military to bar individuals who identify with a gender different from their biological sex from serving. Following that order, the Pentagon suspended new enlistments for people diagnosed with gender dysphoria and limited access to mutilating “gender-affirming” medical care within the ranks.

Pentagon data from late 2024 indicated that roughly 4,240 active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. About 1,000 have already begun voluntary separation, and officials plan to review medical files to identify others for involuntary discharge once the voluntary window closes. The department has cited studies, including the AMSARA analysis and a 2022 review, reporting higher nondeployability rates and elevated risks of depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation among transgender service members compared with normal troops.

District Court Judge Ana Reyes previously blocked the restrictions, stating they appeared motivated by disapproval of transgender identity rather than operational necessity. Judge Cornelia Pillard, dissenting in the appeals court decision, similarly claimed that the policy was not supported by evidence and could abruptly end longstanding military careers.

The plaintiffs in Talbott v. United States are evaluating their next steps as the case proceeds in the D.C. Circuit, with the possibility of ultimately going to the Supreme Court.

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14 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
News

WATCH: Bondi Releases Video of U.S. Forces Airdropping Onto Seized Oil Tanker.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A crude oil tanker, used for transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, was seized.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Coast Guard, the U.S. military, and the Department of War.

📍WHEN & WHERE: December 10, 2025, off the coast of Venezuela.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely.” – Pam Bondi

🎯IMPACT: The seizure disrupts an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations.

IN FULL

On December 10, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi released video of a sanctioned, officially stateless crude oil tanker involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran being seized by U.S. forces. The operation was executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the U.S. Navy and the Department of War.

The tanker, which was en route to Cuba, had “For multiple years… been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations,” Bondi stated. “This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely—and our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.”

The action marks a significant step in disrupting networks that facilitate the flow of resources to entities deemed as threats to U.S. and international security.

WATCH:

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15 hours ago
TECH
World

China Surpasses SpaceX Rocket Launch Record.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: China launched three Long March rockets into space within 19 hours, setting a new record for launch cadence.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and China’s space agency.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The launches occurred on Tuesday, with the rockets lifting off from China.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The launch mission was a complete success,” the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation stated.

🎯IMPACT: The record-breaking launches highlight China’s ambition to become a space superpower, with plans to expand its orbital infrastructure.

IN FULL

China has broken a record for launch cadence by successfully launching three Long March rockets into space within 19 hours on Tuesday. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by SpaceX, which launched three Falcon rockets in 20 hours and 3 minutes in March 2024.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the success of the mission, stating, “The launch mission was a complete success.” The launches bring China’s total orbital launches this year to 83, a significant step in the country’s bid to expand its space capabilities.

One of the launches delivered Internet satellites into low-Earth orbit to join the Guowang constellation, which now has over 100 operational satellites. The other two launches involved classified satellites intended for military use. State-owned China SatNet plans to grow the Guowang constellation to 13,000 satellites, comparable to SpaceX’s Starlink network, which currently operates nearly 9,000 satellites.

China’s space ambitions extend beyond satellite launches. The country has established its own space station, Tiangong, following its exclusion from the International Space Station (ISS) due to U.S. national security concerns. Tiangong hosted its first crew in 2021 and continues to operate, with three astronauts currently on board. Last month, an uncrewed spacecraft was launched to the station as part of a rescue mission following damage to a prior craft that left one group of astronauts stranded on the station.

SpaceX retains the record for the most orbital launches in a single year, having already surpassed its 2022 record of 134 launches. The company aims to reach 178 launches by the end of 2025.

Image by Shujianyang.

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15 hours ago
Culture
News

State Department Restores Times New Roman Font to Reverse ‘Woke’ Policies.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinstated Times New Roman as the standard typeface for official communications, replacing Calibri, which was introduced under the former Biden regime.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Lucas de Groot, the designer of Calibri.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The change went into effect on Wednesday, December 10, across the U.S. State Department.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Serif typefaces remain the standard in courts, legislatures, and across federal agencies where the permanence and authority of the written record are paramount.” – State Department spokesman.

🎯IMPACT: The move is part of a broader effort to eliminate “wasteful” diversity measures and restore traditional standards in federal agencies.

IN FULL

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed the U.S. State Department to revert to Times New Roman as its official typeface, reversing the 2023 decision by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken to adopt Calibri. A cable sent to U.S. diplomats stated that the shift was intended “to restore decorum and professionalism to the Department’s written work products and abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program.” The decision aligns with the broader effort by the Trump administration to eliminate what it characterizes as “woke” and “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” initiatives across the federal government.

Calibri’s designer, Dutch typographer Lucas de Groot, expressed mixed reactions to the news. “The decision to abandon Calibri on the grounds of it being a so-called ‘wasteful diversity font’ is both hilarious and regrettable,” he said. De Groot noted that Calibri was created for legibility on digital displays and became Microsoft Office’s default font in 2007 because of its clarity at smaller sizes.

A State Department spokesman defended the return to the serif typeface, saying, “Serif typefaces remain the standard in courts, legislatures, and across federal agencies where the permanence and authority of the written record are paramount.” Times New Roman had been the Department’s standard from 2004 until Blinken’s transition to Calibri in 2023.

The move comes as the Trump administration accelerates a series of high-profile reversals of DEI-related policies. Earlier this year, the administration removed members of the advisory boards for the nation’s military service academies, arguing that the institutions had been steered by “woke” ideology and needed to be realigned with traditional military values. In another action, senior Pentagon officials imposed a deadline for transgender personnel to leave the armed forces, part of a broader rollback of woke military regulations. The administration has also sought to restrict federal agencies from using “woke AI,” issuing directives aimed at preventing contractors from deploying artificial intelligence systems perceived as ideologically influenced.

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16 hours ago
News

Japan Hit By Another Major Tremor Amid Megaquake Alert.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An earthquake struck off Aomori Prefecture, Japan, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue its first-ever “megaquake” advisory.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Japanese authorities, including the Meteorological Agency, municipalities, and residents across seven prefectures.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The initial earthquake occurred on Monday, December 9, 2025, off the eastern shore of Aomori Prefecture, with several aftershocks, including a magnitude-5.7 quake on Wednesday. The megaquake advisory remains in effect until December 16.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Based on the instruction from the prime minister, we are mobilising all resources for assessing the damage, conducting search-and-rescue operations and implementing emergency disaster relief measures under the policy of prioritising human life.” – Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary

🎯IMPACT: 51 people were injured, with seven suffering severe injuries. Authorities are urging preparedness, with no significant infrastructure damage reported.

IN FULL

Japan has been struck by a new 5.7-magnitude earthquake just days after the country was rocked by a magnitude-7.5 earthquake that struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture. The larger quake, occurring on Monday, prompted Japan’s Meteorological Agency to issue its first-ever special advisory warning of the potential for a “megaquake” registering a magnitude eight or higher—along with tsunami risks along its coastline. Notably, the advisory remains in effect until December 16.

According to Japan‘s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, Monday’s quake resulted in injuries for 51 people, with an additional seven sustaining severe injuries. He stated, “Based on the instruction from the prime minister, we are mobilizing all resources for assessing the damage, conducting search-and-rescue operations, and implementing emergency disaster relief measures under the policy of prioritizing human life.”

Approximately 800 homes lost power, and Shinkansen bullet trains were suspended in parts of the region. Power was mostly restored by Tuesday morning, according to Tohoku Electric Power Co. About 480 residents sought shelter at Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were deployed for damage assessment. Some 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido due to structural damage in a terminal building. The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported a 450-liter water spill at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant, but confirmed that no safety concerns were raised.

Municipalities across seven prefectures—including Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Chiba—have ramped up emergency preparedness. Measures include checking relief supplies, testing communication systems, and urging residents to prepare emergency kits and stay vigilant. Authorities also recommend sleeping in day clothes and in the same room as vulnerable family members to ensure swift evacuation if necessary.

It remains unclear how much damage was caused by the latest, albeit weaker, earthquake—or if there were any fatalities.

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16 hours ago
War

U.S. Navy Captures Sanctioned Oil Tanker Near Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. military seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a potential escalation of tensions in the region.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. military, and Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Off the coast of Venezuela, reported on Wednesday.

🎯IMPACT: The move further isolates Venezuela’s oil industry amid President Trump’s push for Maduro to abdicate.

IN FULL

The U.S. Navy has intercepted and seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a potential escalation with the country’s Marxist dictator, Nicolás Maduro. President Donald J. Trump, amid overseeing an unprecedented buildup of U.S. warships in the Caribbean and military strikes on cartel drug boats, has repeatedly urged the Venezuelan autocrat to abdicate in recent weeks.

Importantly, the oil tanker’s seizure will likely further complicate Venezuela’s ability to export oil, with other vessel owners becoming increasingly reluctant to carry cargo from the country. China is the predominant purchaser of Venezuelan oil, though it is mostly sold through illicit middlemen at a steep discount due to the risk of incurring U.S. sanctions.

On Tuesday, President Trump declared that Maduro’s “days are numbered” as the leader of Venezuela. However, when pressed on whether U.S. troops could be sent to Venezuela, he declined to provide a definitive answer, stating, “I don’t comment on that” and “I wouldn’t say that one way or the other.” Late last month, Trump suggested the U.S. could “very soon” target Venezuelan drug traffickers on land and declared that the country’s airspace should be considered “closed.”

Since September, the U.S. military has carried out kinetic strikes against cartel drug boats operating in the Caribbean and along the Pacific coast of South and Central America. The strikes follow the Trump administration’s designation of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and the Cartel de los Soles as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), with Maduro being accused of leading the latter. At this time, the strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 80 suspected drug traffickers.

Image by Eneas De Troya.

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17 hours ago
Immigration
Lawfare

Court Halts Trump’s Order to Deploy National Guard in Los Angeles.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to cease deploying the California National Guard in Los Angeles, returning control to Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, the Trump administration, California officials, and the California National Guard.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued on Wednesday, December 10, in San Francisco, with California National Guard deployments also occurring in Los Angeles and other cities, such as Portland, Oregon.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In response to Plaintiffs’ motion to enjoin this conduct, Defendants take the position that, after a valid initial federalization, all subsequent re-federalizations are completely, and forever, unreviewable by the courts. Defendants’ position is contrary to law. Accordingly, the Court ENJOINS Defendants’ federalization of California National Guard troops.” — Judge Breyer

🎯IMPACT: The decision, which is temporarily on hold, could limit future federal control over state National Guard units without state approval.

IN FULL

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return control of the California National Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom (D), effectively ending its deployment in Los Angeles. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer—a Clinton appointee and brother of former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer—in San Francisco, granted a preliminary injunction sought by Gov. Newsom, who argued the Trump administration cannot continuously use the state’s National Guard troops for immigration enforcement actions without his office’s approval.

“The Founders designed our government to be a system of checks and balances. Defendants, however, make clear that the only check they want is a blank one,” Judge Breyer wrote. ” Six months after they first federalized the California National Guard, Defendants still retain control of approximately 300 Guardsmen, despite no evidence that execution of federal law is impeded in any way—let alone significantly. What’s more, Defendants have sent California Guardsmen into other states, effectively creating a national police force made up of state troops.”

“In response to Plaintiffs’ motion to enjoin this conduct, Defendants take the position that, after a valid initial federalization, all subsequent re-federalizations are completely, and forever, unreviewable by the courts. Defendants’ position is contrary to law. Accordingly, the Court ENJOINS Defendants’ federalization of California National Guard troops,” the federal judge concluded—though he stayed his order from taking effect until next Monday.

The Newsom administration contended that the safety situation facing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal officers in Los Angeles has changed since violent anti-ICE riots erupted in the city this past June. While initially over 4,000 National Guard troops were deployed to the city, that number had fallen to about 100 in October. Notably, California officials also objected to the Trump administration’s decision to move California National Guard members to cities in other states where rioters have attacked federal property, like Portland, Oregon.

Judge Breyer previously ruled the Trump administration’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles was unlawful in September. An even earlier ruling attempting to stop the initial deployment in June was set aside by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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