California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to establish a statewide “crime control team” in response to President Trump’s efforts against crime.
Newsom noted, “Collaborating strategically with states and local communities enhances public safety. While the Trump administration might undermine cities, California is choosing to partner with them.”
He added that these initiatives will strengthen ongoing partnerships and help tackle crime more effectively.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will collaborate with local law enforcement in cities including San Diego, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Sacramento, the Central Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed gratitude, remarking, “I appreciate the governor’s supportive partnership. Working together is essential to addressing crime and other challenges.”
In a video shared on social media, Newsom remarked, “The president’s actions impact people. California is focusing on working with them instead.”
The CHP team will engage in intelligence sharing, develop crime prevention strategies, assist investigations, and enhance the visibility of law enforcement.
CHP Commissioner Sean Dury emphasized, “These crime control teams provide vital support to local agencies by concentrating on areas where crime is prevalent.”
Dury continued, stating that combining resources, intelligence, and personnel will improve efforts to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen community safety across California.
CHP officers have already been deployed in places like San Bernardino and Oakland, where crime rates have dropped significantly—34% overall, with murders down by 57% and shootings reduced by 60% since 2024.
This announcement aligns with Trump’s conflict with the federal government’s crime policies, particularly in the Washington, D.C. area, which recently noted a 30-year low in violent crime rates. Trump has also indicated his intention to send the National Guard to other Democratic-led cities like Chicago and Baltimore.
Newsom and Trump’s relationship has grown increasingly strained, especially as Newsom has been openly critical of the president on social media.
In California’s courts this week, there’s a case regarding Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles during immigration protests in July.
Additionally, Trump reiterated on August 12 his intent to send the National Guard to Los Angeles once more.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta remarked on this situation, calling it a “blatant violation of the law,” referencing the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
The GOP’s hardline stance on crime has generally resonated well with voters, whereas Democrats may appear more vulnerable regarding public safety issues.
Newsom’s actions could serve to enhance the Democratic image as he potentially looks toward a presidential campaign in 2028, especially amid rising concerns about violent crime.
