Senator Tom Cotton Responds to Gavin Newsom’s Accusations

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) dismissed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s claims of “inciting violence” during ongoing protests in Los Angeles, with ICE officials asserting that “California is far better than that.”

Cotton took to X on Monday afternoon, criticizing the Los Angeles Police Department chief for the persistent unrest. He noted, “It’s getting worse and worse and more violent.”

He commented on the situation in Los Angeles, saying, “What’s happening there is a threat from the left. They either call for open borders or resort to rioting. This won’t succeed. Lawlessness should not be tolerated.”

In a response to Cotton, Newsom contended, “The only ones supporting Trump’s minions are those who enable the illegal militarization of our city and incite violence.”

Cotton followed up with a post featuring a photo of a protester waving a flag atop a burned vehicle in Los Angeles.

He challenged, “Which governors would accuse police and National Guard of inciting violence? Your policies have created this chaos. California deserves better.”

In an exclusive conversation with Breitbart News, Cotton argued, “Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders are responsible for this crisis due to their open border policies. President Trump will take these violent riots seriously and won’t hesitate to support law enforcement, even from abroad if necessary.”

Cotton gained attention in 2020 as the first notable lawmaker to suggest deploying the Army to control riots during the Black Lives Matter protests, as noted in a New York Times op-ed.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced that President Trump had deployed 2,000 national security guards to address the lawlessness allowed to proliferate.

Leavitt highlighted that “recently, violent mobs have assaulted ICE officers and federal law enforcement engaging in crucial deportation operations in Los Angeles. These efforts are vital to stopping the illegal invasion of criminals into America.”

Newsom continues to hold the Trump administration accountable for the chaos, having announced a lawsuit against them for “illegally” deploying the National Guard in California.