California Governor Gavin Newsom’s attempt to stop President Donald J. Trump from restoring order to riot-torn Los Angeles was dealt a serious blow Tuesday, as a federal judge refused to grant the Democrat’s so-called “emergency motion” to block military intervention.

Rather than side with Newsom, the judge accepted the Trump administration’s request for time to formally respond to the motion and scheduled a hearing for Thursday — a clear indication that the court didn’t see the situation as the urgent constitutional crisis Newsom portrayed it to be.

The ruling marked a major setback for the embattled California governor, who’s facing mounting criticism for allowing violent unrest to spiral out of control in his state. Instead of confronting the rioters torching businesses and attacking civilians, Newsom chose to sue the Commander-in-Chief for sending in National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to restore peace and protect law-abiding citizens.

A Newsom spokesperson tried to salvage the moment, telling The Hill:

“The court did not deny or rule on the Governor’s request for a temporary restraining order. The court set a hearing for Thursday, after the federal government and the state file additional briefs, and we anticipate the court will rule on the request for a TRO a short time later.”

But the judge’s refusal to grant immediate relief undercuts Newsom’s narrative and signals skepticism of his argument that Trump’s actions somehow constitute federal overreach.

Newsom, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), had accused President Trump of “turning the military against American citizens” — an inflammatory claim that echoed far-left talking points and ignored the chaos and violence playing out on California’s streets.

Naturally, progressive activists rallied behind the governor’s narrative, but pushback was swift. Many Americans — including plenty of Californians — praised President Trump’s decisive action, pointing out that Newsom had failed to protect residents and property in his own backyard.

This latest legal maneuver is just the newest chapter in the long-running feud between President Trump and California’s Democrat leadership. From sanctuary policies to border security to pandemic mandates, Trump and Newsom have clashed repeatedly — but this time, the stakes involve lives and livelihoods as riots engulf parts of Southern California.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also locked horns with federal officials over the use of military assets, even as the city struggles to contain lawlessness and property damage reminiscent of past collapses in public order.

So far, President Trump is holding firm, insisting that peace and stability must be restored — and making it clear that no activist judge or grandstanding politician will stop him from fulfilling that duty.