California – Tensions escalated dramatically over the weekend as U.S. President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, in response to ongoing protests linked to aggressive immigration enforcement.
According to AFP, this marks the first time in 60 years that a U.S. president has unilaterally taken such action without state approval.
Newsom Pushes Back as Trump Allies Threaten Federal Charges
Governor Newsom, defiant in tone, responded to escalating threats from Trump ally and “border czar” Tom Homan, who suggested that Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face federal charges for obstructing immigration officers.
“Come after me. Arrest me. Get it over with,” Newsom declared defiantly.
Photos from June 9 show California National Guard troops stationed outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles, reflecting the growing tension between federal and state authorities.
Trump Calls Newsom “Incompetent” and Praises the Idea of His Arrest
When asked whether Homan should arrest the governor, Trump replied:
“I would do it if I were Tom. I think it would be great. Gavin likes attention, but I think that would be amazing.”
Trump added that Newsom had “done a terrible job” managing the unrest in Los Angeles.
“Look, I like Gavin Newsom. He’s a nice guy. But he’s completely incompetent, and everyone knows it,” Trump said.
He further warned:
“I don’t want a civil war. But we’re going to have one if people like him are in charge.”
Newsom Responds: “Trump Is Creating a Crisis for Political Gain”
Governor Newsom, who is considered a possible 2028 presidential contender, accused Trump of manufacturing the crisis for political purposes. He argued that local law enforcement was fully capable of handling the protests without military assistance.
After the Trump administration ordered an additional 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles on June 9, Newsom denounced the move as authoritarian.
“This is what a dictator looks like,” he said.
California Sues the Trump Administration
According to CNN, on June 9, the state of California officially filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The defendants include President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta condemned the federalization of the state’s National Guard troops, calling it:
“Unnecessary, counterproductive, and most importantly, illegal.”
Bonta argued the move violates the Tenth Amendment and federal law, claiming the president issued the deployment without the governor’s consent and against the wishes of local law enforcement.
He also noted that Secretary Hegseth ignored the governor’s formal request to cancel the federal order.
“This is the 24th lawsuit our state has filed against the Trump administration in just 19 weeks,” Bonta added.
White House Responds to Lawsuit
In response, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly criticized Newsom, saying he should focus on prosecuting violent demonstrators attacking ICE officers instead of suing the federal government.