Speaker Mike Johnson aligned himself closely with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, stating that the president is “absolutely right” to send National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles. This decision comes in the wake of ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the region. Johnson echoed Trump’s criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom, suggesting that Newsom should be “tarred and feathered” for his handling of the situation.
During a news conference, Johnson emphasized Trump’s authority to deploy the troops, claiming it was necessary to “maintain order” amid escalating protests that have seen clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
“President Trump has put his hand on the table and said ‘Not on my watch,’ and we applaud that so we’re standing with him,” Johnson asserted.
While Johnson refrained from discussing whether Newsom should face arrest—a suggestion made by Trump just a day earlier—he did reiterate his call for harsh treatment toward the governor, stating, “he ought to be tarred and feathered.”
In response, Newsom took to social media platform X, expressing his disapproval of the threats directed at him, referring to the suggestion of punishment as a regression to 1700s-style justice. He also described Trump’s call for an arrest as “an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”
Johnson further accused Newsom of prioritizing personal branding over fulfilling his duties as governor, pushing him to focus on maintaining the law and order in California. “Do your job, man. Stop working on your rebranding and be a governor. Stand up for the rule of law. And he’s not doing that,” Johnson said.
In addition to targeting Newsom, Johnson took the moment to promote a House-passed tax and immigration bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This legislation is currently under negotiation in the Senate and seeks to address the immigration issues at the root of the protests in Los Angeles. Johnson urged Democrats to support the bill to bring an end to the ongoing “chaos” surrounding immigration.
The proposed legislation includes funding for military and border security, while also extending the tax cuts implemented during Trump’s administration in 2017. However, critics warn it could add an estimated $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Later in the day, Mike Johnson differentiated between the recent violence in Los Angeles and the events of January 6 at the U.S. Capitol. He defended Trump’s mass pardons of individuals involved in the Capitol riot, arguing that there are clear distinctions between the two incidents. “Everybody wants me to relitigate Jan. 6. I’m not going to do that. There’s a very clear distinction between the two. The people who broke the law and destroyed property were met with the proper consequences on Jan. 6,” Johnson remarked.
The support for Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles appears widespread among congressional Republicans. Representative Ralph Norman stated that Trump is enforcing the rule of law and is doing the right thing by deploying federal resources in response to unrest. Similarly, Representative Ron Estes expressed his belief in the importance of maintaining law and order in the country, supporting the president’s actions.
Senator Kevin Cramer shared his perspective, emphasizing that the president’s duties regarding federal immigration policy necessitate his response to the protests. He hoped the presence of federal troops would deter potential violence and restore peace in the area. Cramer noted the importance of the right to assemble and protest but also highlighted the distinction between peaceful demonstrations and the unrest currently unfolding in Los Angeles.
Johnson’s remarks came amid a broader context of criticism directed at Newsom from several Republican lawmakers. Senator John Kennedy remarked on Trump’s deployment of troops, asserting that the action was necessary given that local leadership had failed to address the chaos effectively. He maintained that the federal response was appropriate under the circumstances.
Moreover, Senator John Cornyn made light of the situation, suggesting that Newsom might welcome an arrest, which could potentially elevate his status as a martyr in the eyes of his supporters.
As the situation in Los Angeles continues to unfold, the divide between differing political responses to the protests could play a significant role in shaping discussions around immigration policy and public safety in the United States. The ongoing tensions reflect broader themes concerning governance, law enforcement, and the balance of power between state and federal authorities as the nation grapples with complex immigration challenges and the protests accompanying them. ABC News’ John Parkinson contributed to this report.
image source from：https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/speaker-johnson-backing-trumps-la-actions-newsom-tarred/story?id=122689990
