California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a fierce offensive against Donald Trump, accusing the president of taking a 'wrecking ball' to American democracy. The escalation follows Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles to quell protests over immigration raids, a move Newsom called 'madness' and an 'unmistakable step toward authoritarianism'.
Newsom, who initially sought a working relationship with Trump after the president visited wildfire-ravaged areas, has now filed multiple lawsuits challenging federal actions on immigration, tariffs, and the Guard deployment. A federal judge initially ruled the deployment unlawful, but an appeals court temporarily blocked that order.
In a state-of-the-union-style address, Newsom warned that California is just the first target. 'Democracy is next,' he said, urging Americans to recognize the broader threat. The governor has since embarked on a media blitz, using social media and interviews to counter Trump's attacks.
Trump has responded with insults, calling Newsom 'Newscum' and suggesting he should be arrested. The president claimed the military intervention prevented Los Angeles from 'burning to the ground', a claim strongly disputed by local officials.
Political analysts say the crisis has forced Newsom into a leadership role he may not have sought. 'This moment was thrust upon him,' said Mike Madrid, a former California Republican Party official. 'He realised the only way out was to fight.'
