State governors can oppose or refuse federal requests to deploy their state National Guard units, creating potential disputes with the federal government over troop activation.
October 05, 2025
high
legal
Tension between state and federal authority over control and use of National Guard forces is a recurring legal and political issue.
State governors have the authority to call up their state's National Guard and may choose not to activate those forces.
October 05, 2025
high
legal
Describes the allocation of activation authority over state National Guard forces.
State governors can challenge the federalization or deployment of their state's National Guard through legal action in federal court.
October 04, 2025
high
legal
Describes the ability of state executives to use the courts to contest federal control or deployment of state military forces.
Presidential proposals to deploy National Guard or other federal forces to domestic cities can prompt public opposition and legal challenges from state governors and municipal leaders.
August 24, 2025
high
political
Proposals to use military or National Guard forces in U.S. cities often raise tensions between federal and state or local officials.