California’s Governor Walks a Tightrope as LA Protests Escalate

Governor Gavin Newsom is facing one of the most politically delicate moments of his career—trying to restore order in Los Angeles while avoiding handing President Donald Trump a media victory.

Protests erupted across L.A. on June 6 after ICE agents launched raids targeting undocumented immigrants. Over the next three days, clashes intensified, prompting Trump to claim the situation had spiraled out of control. On June 7, the president bypassed the state government and ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into the city. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth even floated the idea of deploying U.S. Marines.

Trump and his allies painted L.A. as a city in chaos—one overwhelmed by violence and lawlessness. In response, Governor Newsom urged calm but also warned that the administration was baiting protesters.

“They want a reaction. They want violence. They think it benefits them politically,” Newsom wrote in a June 8 fundraising email. “To those protesting the ICE raids: don’t give them the show they’re hoping for.”

Analysts say Newsom’s messaging reflects a political dilemma: rally opposition to Trump’s crackdown without giving the White House a propaganda win. Since Trump returned to office, Newsom—a Democrat—has opted for diplomacy over confrontation. He even welcomed Trump at LAX earlier this year following California’s wildfires.

Newsom has taken steps to bridge political divides, including launching a podcast featuring MAGA figures like Steve Bannon. He’s also publicly acknowledged that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports raises fairness concerns—breaking with many in his party.

On June 6, Newsom reportedly spent 40 minutes on the phone with Trump. The president demanded he rein in local police as tensions flared between protesters and ICE agents. But Newsom’s efforts to defuse the situation were quickly undermined when Trump deployed federal troops—unilaterally.

According to political commentator Astead Herndon of CNN, the White House saw an opportunity to escalate conflict. “This is a calculated move—they want a showdown with Newsom, and they want to use federal power to make a statement,” he said.

Los Angeles is seen as a symbol of pro-immigration values. Juan Jose Gutierrez, director of the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition, believes Trump chose L.A. deliberately: “He wants to make an example out of it. To show no one can resist his immigration agenda.”

GOP strategist Mike Madrid said Trump has cornered California’s leadership: “There’s real unrest in the streets. Protesters have thrown rocks at police vehicles. That’s not just optics—it’s a threat to public order.”

Now, state officials must walk a fine line—calling for calm while protecting civil liberties. If unrest escalates, Trump gains ground. Yet Newsom still needs federal aid to rebuild wildfire-damaged communities. “It’s hard to stand your ground without falling into the trap,” said former LA City Councilmember Mike Bonin.

Newsom knows what’s at stake. With term limits preventing him from running for governor again in 2026, he's widely seen as a likely presidential contender in 2028. His handling of the L.A. crisis could shape his national profile.

Initially aiming for bipartisanship, Newsom’s tone has now shifted. On June 9, he announced plans to sue the Trump administration, calling the deployment of the National Guard “unlawful, unethical, and unconstitutional.”

“President Trump lit the match and broke the law by federalizing the National Guard,” Newsom said. “This order doesn’t just target California—it opens the door for him to seize control of Guard units in any state. We will fight this in court.”

(Sources: LA Times, Reuters, CNN)

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