California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a fierce critique of President Donald Trump in an address on Tuesday night, focusing on Trump’s federalization of the National Guard and deployment of Marines to handle protests in Los Angeles. Newsom, seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, accused Trump of undermining democracy during a time of national unrest. He stated, “This is about all of us… Democracy is under assault before our eyes,” emphasizing the dangers of authoritarianism, which he argued typically begins with targeting vulnerable populations.
Trump activated thousands of National Guard members and deployed over 700 Marines without Newsom’s request amidst ongoing protests that erupted on Friday. In response, Trump has criticized Newsom, calling him “grossly incompetent” and suggested he should face arrest. Newsom, in his rebuttal, accused Trump of fostering division and leveraging violence for personal gain, referencing the January 6 Capitol riot as an example.
Newsom’s comments also highlighted the broader implications of these actions, stressing that the erosion of the rule of law threatens the democratic fabric of the nation. He characterized Trump’s approach as an increasing shift from lawful governance to personal authoritarianism, stating, “The rule of law has increasingly been given way to the rule of Don.”
In Los Angeles, police reported 378 arrests since the protests began, prompting a curfew in downtown. Similar demonstrations against Trump’s immigration policies have spread across other major cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta. The White House did not immediately respond to Newsom’s remarks.
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