Skip to content

Trump administration faces opposition from California governor

Defiant Newsom Challenges Authority: "Go Ahead, Arrest Me If You Can"

ICE and DHS officials face challenges during a raid in a Los Angeles county, reports indicate.
ICE and DHS officials face challenges during a raid in a Los Angeles county, reports indicate.

Standoff between Newsom and Trump: California's Governor Faces Off Against the President

Trump administration faces opposition from California governor

California's Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a firm stand against the Trump administration in the wake of tensions surrounding the National Guard's deployment in Los Angeles. As protests against immigration authorities intensify in San Francisco, dozens are arrested.

In a bold move, Newsom has challenged the US government, stating, "Arrest me if you must. Let's get it over with." His spirited response came in the midst of threats directed towards him by the Trump administration.

Tom Homan, Trump's trusted advisor overseeing deportation policy, initially didn't rule out the prospect of arresting Newsom or Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, if they interfere with government decisions. Yet Homan admitted that no legal lines have been crossed as of yet.

Newsmo vs. Trump: A Power Struggle

Accusations of dishonesty and labeling the debate as "ridiculous" were hurled by Homan towards NBC reporters. He emphasized that there are no active plans to arrest Newsom at present. However, Homan reiterated that no one, not even Newsom or Bass, is above the law if criminal behavior is involved.

The governor retorted, "Find me," when questioned about potential arrests. He criticized the Trump administration for instigating fear and turning migrants into political enemies. California vows to resist such actions with all available means. Newsom has already announced a lawsuit against Trump - a move he recently reiterated on X. He wrote, "[Trump] has inflamed passions and illegally placed the National Guard under state control. The order he signed applies not only to California. It allows him to go to any state and do the same. We are suing him."

The National Guard: A Brief History

Established in the individual colonies before the founding of the United States, the National Guard traditionally provides aid in disaster relief, homeland security, and police support during riots in US states, and serves as reserve forces for overseas military deployments. While presidents often order deployments of the National Guard, it is unusual for such deployments to occur without the consent of the state's governor.

Assessments of the Situation Differ

Trump sent National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles in an attempt to address protests triggered by increased ICE raids. However, local authorities differ in their perception of the situation, disputing the President's assessment that the situation is out of control. Trump has threatened protesters with violence and hasn't ruled out further military intervention, which could lead to a significant escalation.

Backdrop: A Fiery Rivalry

The dispute between Newsom and the Trump administration is particularly contentious because Newsom, a Democrat, is a favorite adversary of the US President. It's openly speculated that the 57-year-old is aiming for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Newson, a liberal Democrat with slicked-back hair, served as the Mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011 and gained national attention when, as Mayor, he allowed same-sex couples to marry. Trump often verbally attacks Newsom, mockingly calling him "Newscum" – a play on words with the term "Scum," which means "pest" or "scoundrel" in German.

Sixty-Plus Arrested: Protests in San Francisco

As the situation in downtown Los Angeles becomes less volatile, the police are maintaining a strong presence. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, protests against the deportation of undocumented migrants have escalated. Seventy-six people were arrested after a initially peaceful protest at an ICE building turned violent.

Source: ntv.de, mpe/dpa/AFP

  • California
  • Protests
  • Donald Trump
  • Los Angeles
  1. Despite the ongoing standoff between California's Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump, Homan, Trump's advisor, clarified that there are no active plans to arrest Newsom, but emphasized that no one, including Governors, is above the law if criminal behavior is involved.
  2. As the dispute between Newsom and Trump unfolds, Newsom has announced a lawsuit against the President, expressing his concern over Trump's actions, particularly his attemt to control the National Guard without the consent of state governors, and his inflammatory rhetoric towards migrants.

Read also:

Latest