Trump Supports Arrest of Newsom Amid Protest Tensions
On Monday, President Trump expressed his backing for the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom amid ongoing immigrant-focused protests in Los Angeles, which Newsom himself had prompted with a dare to Trump.
While returning to the White House from Camp David, Trump was asked if his immigration chief Tom Homan should go forward with the arrest. He responded, “If I were Tom, I would do it.” Trump continued, “I think that’s great. Gavin likes advertising, but I think it’s great. Look, I like Gavin Newsom. He’s a good guy, but he’s grossly incompetent.”
Newsom quickly took to social media to respond, labeling the suggestion “an unmistakable step towards authoritarianism.” He remarked, “The US President called for the arrest of the sitting governor. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. This is a line we cannot cross as a nation.”
The Trump administration has been directed at Newsom and other officials in light of rising tensions from immigrant-related protests. These demonstrations have been escalating and, at times, have turned violent. White House representatives claimed the situation is spiraling out of control, highlighting images of a burning vehicle and clashes with law enforcement.
In reaction, Newsom stated that California plans to sue the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard without his consent. He and other Democrats contend that this federal action has made an already tense situation worse for local authorities.
Both Trump and Homan suggested possible arrests for state and local officials who may break the law. Trump further remarked, “Come after me and arrest me. Let’s get through it with a tough guy. You know? I don’t care. But I care about my community. I care about this community.”
The dispute between Trump and Newsom extends to the White House’s decision to send the National Guard into Los Angeles, which goes against the wishes of the governor and local leaders. As protests continue, the underlying tensions remain palpable, with officials attributing the unrest to “professional agitators” whom Trump deemed harmful and deserving of imprisonment.
Trump did not provide a direct answer regarding whether he would invoke the Rebellion Act when asked about it by reporters.
