In a stunning display of judicial unity, all 29 active judges of the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals voted unanimously to overturn a lower court ruling that had favored President Donald Trump’s administration in a high-stakes immigration enforcement case.
The decision, handed down late last week, vacates a district judge’s order allowing expanded federal authority to deploy National Guard troops for border security operations without state consent.
Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-Delaware), the first openly transgender member of Congress, hailed the ruling as a pivotal moment in holding the executive branch accountable.
In a fiery social media post, McBride declared: “29 federal judges just sent a LOUD message that TRUMP’S TIME IS UP!! This isn’t just politics; it’s a JUDICIAL REVOLT against a president who’s been playing games for too long!! Raise your hand if you want to see him held accountable🤚”
The case stemmed from Trump’s January 2026 executive order federalizing National Guard units in California and Arizona amid escalating border tensions. Critics, including state governors and civil rights groups, argued the move overstepped constitutional bounds and echoed past abuses of power.
The Ninth Circuit’s en banc panel—comprising judges appointed by presidents from both parties—described the administration’s arguments as “untethered to legal precedent” and “an affront to federalism.”
Legal experts view this as part of a broader pattern of judicial pushback against Trump’s second term policies, including rebukes on environmental deregulation and election integrity claims. “This unanimous verdict from the largest appellate court sends a clear signal: no one is above the law,” said Professor Elena Ramirez of Stanford Law School.
The White House dismissed the ruling as “activist overreach” and vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, called the judges “biased radicals” and hinted at judicial reforms if Republicans maintain congressional control.
As the nation watches, this judicial stand could embolden further challenges to executive actions, potentially reshaping the balance of power in Washington. McBride’s call for accountability has gone viral, amassing over 500,000 shares and igniting debates on social media.
