On Monday, commentator Stephen A. Smith expressed his opposition to President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove undocumented immigrants, suggesting it could backfire on Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. He warned that this issue might represent “the Democrats’ latest derailment.”
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Los Angeles County as the National Guard was deployed amid ongoing protests against ICE. The situation was particularly intense in Paramount, California, where demonstrators clashed with federal agents, accusing them of aggressive tactics towards local businesses. Amidst the unrest, some Democrats attributed the violence to Trump’s policies.
Smith specifically cited Newsom’s lawsuit against the Trump administration concerning the National Guard’s deployment in California without state approval. He questioned why Newsom would, in a sense, be “playing into Trump’s hands.” Smith cautioned that for Democrats, opposing Trump on this could provide him an opportunity to paint them in a negative light.
He pointed out, “When we see Newsom and Mayor Bass addressing this, and Trump can turn it into ‘They’re against me on this issue,’ it becomes a disadvantage for them.” Looking ahead, Smith expressed skepticism about Newsom’s chances if he aims for the presidency in 2028. He believed focusing on current issues in California, such as taxation and crime, should take precedence instead of engaging in a contentious battle against Trump.
Smith wasn’t entirely optimistic about Newsom’s strategy, suggesting that while the governor has intelligence and sharp insights, he often finds himself on the wrong side of critical issues. This inconsistency could cloud public perception regarding the state’s conditions.
Attempts to reach Newsom’s office for comment were unsuccessful. On a related note, Smith reiterated on Monday’s “Daily Show” that he has no intention of pursuing political office, valuing his financial independence and freedom from political entanglements. Despite his primarily Democratic voting record, he has previously considered a presidential run but holds a critical view of the left.
