California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid ongoing protests related to federal deportation operations.
In a post on X, Newsom asserted that the federal government’s actions were not necessary due to a lack of law enforcement but were intended to create a ‘spectacle’ for political purposes.
‘“The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” Newsom wrote.
He urged Californians not to give in to these provocations.
In response, Karoline Leavitt reshared Newsom’s post, accusing him of failing to mitigate violence and unrest during the protests.
‘“Illegal criminal aliens and violent mobs have been committing arson, throwing rocks at vehicles, and attacking federal law enforcement for days,” Leavitt stated.
She argued that instead of condemning the federal intervention, Newsom should express gratitude to President Trump for trying to restore order.
Hours prior, Newsom addressed the protests and the federal sweeps, arguing that the deployment was an unnecessary escalation.
“As the federal government conducts chaotic immigration sweeps across the country,” he explained, “the state is deploying additional CHP to maintain safety on Los Angeles highways to keep the peace.”
He emphasized that it was not the California Highway Patrol’s role to assist federal immigration enforcement.
Furthermore, Newsom criticized the federal government for creating chaos as a justification for a more forceful response.
“That is not the way any civilized country behaves,” he stated.
Meanwhile, President Trump faced backlash for his casual attendance at UFC 316 in Newark, coinciding with the troop deployment in California.
Videos shared by the White House captured Trump walking into the arena alongside UFC President Dana White, leading to cheers from the crowd chanting “USA.”
However, critics quickly took to social media to juxtapose the President’s attendance at a sporting event with the serious situation unfolding in Los Angeles.
One critic remarked, ‘“BREAKING: As 2,000 National Guard troops move in on protesters in Los Angeles, Trump struts into UFC 316 with Dana White ringside while the country burns.”’
Others called attention to the potential escalation of violence stemming from the National Guard’s presence, stating that it was irresponsible for Trump to enjoy leisure time while deploying troops to confront protesters.
As the discourse around the deployment increased, Trump took to Truth Social to convey his perspective.
In his message, he criticized both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, asserting, ‘“If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayer Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”’
The deployment of the National Guard and the accompanying protest incidents have ignited a heated debate about federal intervention in state matters and the President’s response to civil unrest.
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