Federal Judge Orders Title 32 Status National Guard to Wear Body Cameras Nationwide While Responding to ‘No Kings Day’ Protests, Following President Trump’s Controversial Deployment to Monitor and Maintain Order Across All States

Judge Orders Title 32 National Guard to Wear Body Cameras Nationwide During ‘No Kings Day’ Protests Following Trump’s Deployment Order

Washington, D.C. — October 18, 2025

In a landmark ruling that immediately reshaped the federal government’s response to the “No Kings Day” protests, a federal judge on Saturday ordered all National Guard troops operating under Title 32 status to wear activated body cameras while interacting with demonstrators nationwide.

The decision came just hours after former President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard units to every U.S. state under Title 32 authority — directing them to “watch, monitor, and maintain peace” during the growing wave of No Kings Day marches, which have drawn millions of participants across major cities.

Judge Evelyn Hartman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the emergency order, emphasizing the “critical need for transparency, accountability, and the preservation of civil liberties” as troops are positioned in dozens of protest zones from coast to coast.

“The public has a right to know that any federal or state agent operating under Title 32 authority will be held accountable for their actions,” Hartman wrote in her 17-page opinion. “The use of body cameras is not optional when citizens are exercising their First Amendment rights.”

Background on Trump’s Deployment Order

Earlier this week, Donald Trump, citing concerns over “public safety” and “potential nationwide disorder,” invoked Title 32 of the U.S. Code to authorize state governors to deploy National Guard units with federal funding but under state control. The order drew immediate backlash from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers, who accused Trump of using military forces to intimidate peaceful protesters.

The No Kings Day movement — now in its third day of demonstrations — began as a nationwide call for democracy, equality, and limits on executive power. Taylor Swift’s widely publicized $1 million donation to protest organizers earlier this week helped fuel the momentum, with massive crowds gathering in Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City.

Judicial Oversight and Transparency Push

The court’s order now requires every National Guard member deployed under Title 32 status to activate body cameras “before, during, and after” all direct interactions with the public. It also mandates that video footage be securely stored and made available for review by federal oversight committees and civil rights investigators.

Civil rights organizations hailed the decision as a crucial safeguard against abuse of power.

“This is a victory for transparency and the American people,” said Leah Porter, director of the Civil Liberties Defense Network. “With millions marching peacefully, the last thing the nation needs is unmonitored force or unchecked authority. This ruling ensures that accountability will be visible in real time.”

Trump’s campaign spokesperson, however, blasted the ruling as “judicial overreach,” claiming it would “undermine the Guard’s ability to respond effectively” and “create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles in a moment of national unrest.”

Nationwide Reaction

The order quickly rippled through state capitals as governors and Guard commanders scrambled to comply. Several states, including California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, confirmed they had already begun issuing body cameras to their deployed Guard units by late afternoon.

Meanwhile, protesters in multiple cities responded to the ruling with cheers. “It’s a sign that our voices are being heard,” said Maria Jennings, a protester marching in downtown Atlanta. “We want peace, not fear — and cameras help make sure that happens.”

What Happens Next

Legal experts say the court’s order could become a defining moment in the evolving balance between public safety and civil liberties. The Justice Department is expected to review the decision, while Trump’s legal team has already filed a notice of appeal seeking an immediate stay.

For now, however, Judge Hartman’s ruling stands — and National Guard units across the country are under orders to record every encounter, every crowd interaction, and every use of force as the No Kings Day movement continues to grow.

“Transparency is not a burden,” Hartman wrote in closing. “It is the foundation of public trust.”