The Brian Lehrer Show President Trump's National Guard Plans
Oct 6, 2025
Kyle Cheney, a senior legal affairs reporter at Politico, sheds light on President Trump's controversial plans to deploy National Guard troops in Portland and Chicago. He discusses the legal challenges faced, including federal judges blocking these deployments due to concerns about military overreach. Cheney outlines state reactions, with governors voicing strong opposition and taking legal action against the federal maneuvers. He highlights public perceptions surrounding crime and the constitutional implications, suggesting the rapidly evolving situation could soon reach the Supreme Court.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Claims Versus Reality In Portland
- President Trump claimed daily violent interference with ICE in Portland to justify federal troops deployment.
- The judge found those claims "untethered to the facts" because local officials showed protests were small and controlled.
Judge Rejects Federal Justification
- Judge Karen Immergut said the administration's factual claims lacked a basis and showed police could handle protests.
- Her ruling emphasized state sovereignty and rejected the idea that federal troops were necessary on the facts presented.
Attempt To Circumvent The Court
- The administration tried to bypass the order by using already-federalized California and Texas Guard units.
- The judge expanded her order, finding no legal or factual basis for sending any federal troops into Portland.