Newsom Blasts Trump’s Cognitive Decline in Fiery Critique
California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s deployment of nearly 5,000 federal troops to Los Angeles, warning that the move signals an authoritarian playbook that could spread across the U.S. In an interview with MSNBC’s David Plouffe, Newsom described the deployment—ordered without his or Mayor Karen Bass’s request—as a “terrifying” overreach, likening it to 20th-century authoritarian tactics. The troops, including 4,000 federalized National Guardsmen and U.S. Marines, were sent to quell No Kings Day protests, but Newsom noted the situation has been “remarkably peaceful” for three days, with no arrests and protests dissipating.
The deployment, which Newsom said includes 80% of troops sitting idle in inadequate dormitories, appears to pivot toward immigration enforcement rather than protest control. “This is America’s coming attraction,” Newsom warned, citing Trump’s “quadrupling down” on federal intervention despite de-escalating street activity. He pointed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations near Dodger Stadium and in Coachella Valley, which have chilled communities, leading to a 22% spike in absenteeism at Central Valley schools and reduced farmworker turnout. “People aren’t going to school, parks, or grocery stores,” Newsom said, highlighting the economic and social toll.
Newsom expressed alarm at Trump’s broader tactics, including attacks on media, public protest suppression, and federal overreach against local wishes—hallmarks of authoritarian regimes. He cited former President Barack Obama’s warnings and noted historians see parallels in Trump’s actions. The governor also criticized Trump’s decision to pull National Guard members from critical tasks like fentanyl interdiction and wildfire prevention, calling it a “display” that depletes local law enforcement. “This is not hyperbole; it’s a serious moment,” Newsom said, warning that Vice President J.D. Vance’s impending visit to Los Angeles for an RNC fundraiser could inflame tensions further.
Vance’s visit, Newsom argued, diverts law enforcement resources needed to maintain peace and serves to “reinforce authoritarian tendencies” rather than de-escalate. He questioned the visit’s purpose, suggesting it aims to propagandize Trump’s narrative about California’s unrest. Despite his concerns, Newsom affirmed his respect for the vice presidency, stating, “I revere the office, even as these folks try to tear down institutions.” He vowed to uphold democratic principles in California, contrasting his approach with Trump’s.
Newsom also raised concerns about Trump’s cognitive state, citing recent falsehoods, including a claim that the two discussed National Guard deployment a day before a call that occurred four days earlier and covered unrelated topics. Trump’s conflation of the Declaration of Independence with the Civil War and late-night Truth Social posts at 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. further fueled questions. “His public statements are alarming; private conversations are even more concerning,” Newsom said, declining to share details out of respect for the presidency. He criticized Fox News for backing Trump’s “stone-cold lie” about their call, comparing the network to Soviet-era Pravda and calling for accountability.
The governor warned of economic fallout from Trump’s policies, including a proposed 55% tariff on Chinese goods, which Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said could stoke inflation. Declining consumer confidence, retail spending, and port cargo in California reflect broader uncertainty, exacerbated by Trump’s immigration raids targeting farms, hotels, and meatpacking plants. Newsom called Trump’s policies “fog,” shifting based on whims or Fox News commentary, making governance challenging. “He’s a flim-flammer, a bullshit artist,” Newsom said, noting even MAGA figures like Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson question Trump’s leadership.
Newsom framed Trump’s presidency as built on branding, not policy, citing contradictions on war, religion, and abortion. “Trump’s anti-war stance was never real,” he said, referencing intra-MAGA debates on Iran. As governor, Newsom faces difficulty managing state priorities amid federal unpredictability, with Trump’s proposed Medicaid cuts and $3 trillion debt increase clashing with campaign promises. The Senate’s push for deeper Medicaid reductions adds pressure on California’s budget.
As California navigates the aftermath of protests and federal intervention, Newsom urged vigilance, warning that Trump’s actions preview a national trend. With legal challenges to the troop deployment ongoing and Vance’s visit looming, the state braces for potential escalation. Newsom called for sober leadership to address Middle East tensions and economic challenges, contrasting Trump’s “reckless decisions” with the need for thoughtful governance.
