Speaking to anxious Californians about President Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles, Newsom called Trump’s actions an “assault on democracy.”
From the office of the Governor:
In an address delivered to nearly 40 million Californians and Americans nationwide tonight, Governor Gavin Newsom condemned President Trump’s unlawful militarization of Los Angeles and warned that the President’s actions mark a dangerous inflection point for the nation.
The LA Times quickly picked up the story:
The Democratic governor’s comments were a forceful rebuke to the president’s claims that deploying the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to the city was necessary to control the civil unrest.
Newsom, in California address, says Trump purposely ‘fanned the flames’ of L.A. protests, by Taryn Luna Senior Sacramento Reporter, June 10, 2025 7:46 PM PTLA Times
“Donald Trump’s government isn’t protecting our communities — they’re traumatizing our communities,” Newsom said. “And that seems to be the entire point.”
“Trump is pulling a military dragnet all across L.A.”
Instead of focusing on undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records and people with final deportation orders – a strategy both parties have long supported – this administration is pushing mass deportations. Indiscriminately targeting hardworking immigrant families, regardless of their roots or risk…
Governor Gavin Newsom, excerpts from speech on the evening of June 10, 2025
This brazen abuse of power by a sitting President inflamed a combustible situation … putting our people, our officers, and the National Guard at risk.
While he was emphatic in his support of the First Amendment rights of citizens to gather peacefully to protest a clear abuse of power, Newsom was also unequivocal in his condemnation of any lawless behavior on the part of protesters: “If you incite violence, you will be held to account.”
At this moment, we must all stand up and be held to a higher level of accountability….If you exercise your First Amendment rights, please do so peacefully.
I know many of you are feeling deep anxiety, stress, and fear. But I want you to know that YOU are the antidote to that fear and anxiety.
Governor Gavin Newsom, excerpts from speech on the evening of June 10, 2025. Read the full text HERE.