Los Angeles, CA – June 9, 2025 – Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking from California’s Emergency Operations Center, fiercely criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize the National Guard amid growing protests in Los Angeles. Newsom called the move unnecessary, unconstitutional, and a deliberate attempt to inflame tensions.
“This was not needed. The President created this crisis to distract from his failures,” Newsom said, pointing to Trump’s economic policies, strained alliances, and recent fallout with Elon Musk. He accused the administration of ignoring California’s adequate local resources and warned that the disorganized federal deployment risks public safety.
Newsom announced California will file a lawsuit tomorrow to challenge the federalization, urging Trump to rescind his order immediately. “This is illegal and immoral. He’s putting lives at risk for political gain,” he stated, comparing Trump’s actions unfavorably to President Kennedy’s 1963 federalization to protect civil rights.
Addressing ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles, Newsom reassured the state’s 27% foreign-born population, emphasizing California’s cooperation with federal authorities on deporting violent criminals but condemning the targeting of law-abiding families. “These raids spread fear, not safety,” he said.
To protesters, Newsom urged peace: “Demonstrate, but do it nonviolently. Violence only hurts our cause.” He also defended National Guard members, calling them “good kids” following orders, and stressed they should not be attacked.
Newsom expressed concern that Trump may escalate further, potentially invoking the Insurrection Act, citing the President’s “authoritarian actions” like threatening judges and censoring education. He reaffirmed California’s commitment to fighting back through the courts, noting the state’s history of successful legal challenges against the administration.
In a recent call with Trump, Newsom said the President misrepresented their discussion, never mentioning the National Guard. “He’s not honest. I’ve tried to work with him, but I won’t work for him,” Newsom declared.
Key Points:
- California to sue over Trump’s “unconstitutional” National Guard federalization.
- Newsom accuses Trump of escalating unrest to distract from economic and political failures.
- Urges peaceful protests and defends undocumented communities against ICE raids.
- Warns of potential further escalation, including use of the Insurrection Act.
