WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to end its months-long deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that President Donald Trump's use of the Guard in the capital unlawfully interferes with local officials' authority over policing. However, she paused her order for 21 days to allow time for an appeal.

The case was brought by District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who argued that the administration cannot deploy Guard troops without the mayor's approval. Dozens of states joined the case on both sides, split mainly along party lines.

In her ruling, Cobb acknowledged that the president has the power to protect federal buildings and operations but said he cannot unilaterally use the D.C. National Guard or troops from other states to manage local crime.

Schwalb applauded the ruling and called for the troops' withdrawal. "Using military troops for domestic policing sets a dangerous precedent where the President can deploy forces anywhere without limits," he said.

The White House defended the deployment. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said Trump is acting within the law and argued the lawsuit is an attempt to disrupt successful crime-reduction efforts in the city.

Trump declared a "crime emergency" in Washington in August. Within weeks, more than 2,300 Guard members from D.C. and eight other states were deployed under the Army Secretary's command. The administration also sent hundreds of federal agents to assist.

Similar deployments in other cities — including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland — have triggered legal battles. Courts have issued mixed rulings, and the Supreme Court is currently considering whether Trump can deploy the Guard in the Chicago area to support immigration enforcement.

In Washington, Schwalb's office says deployments may continue into next summer if not blocked. His office argues that out-of-state Guard troops are acting as an unauthorized federal police force, increasing tensions with residents and diverting local law enforcement resources.

Government lawyers maintain that Congress granted the president authority over the D.C. National Guard and say there is no reason to halt the deployment now.

"Our constitutional democracy will never be the same if these occupations are allowed to continue," Schwalb's office warned.