Donald Trump is used to legal issues at this point. But this takes things to another level.
And a Leftist Governor has threatened Trump with a massive lawsuit he can’t ignore.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to launch a legal battle against the Trump administration on Monday morning, challenging the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. The move comes as the city grapples with escalating anti-ICE riots, which have left the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) struggling to maintain control. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell admitted on Sunday that his officers “are overwhelmed” by the violent unrest consuming the city.
In a letter sent to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Sunday, Newsom demanded the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard, calling the deployment “unlawful” and asserting that local law enforcement is fully capable of handling the situation.
“At present, law enforcement authorities from the City and County of Los Angeles are safeguarding public safety, and, as demonstrated by the robust law enforcement response yesterday evening to protect federal facilities, local law enforcement resources are sufficient to maintain order,” Newsom wrote. He argued that the Trump administration failed to coordinate with his office, violating established protocols, despite plans to send up to 2,000 troops.
The Department of Defense, however, signaled its readiness to escalate its response, warning that 500 Marines are on standby near Camp Pendleton, ready to deploy “if violence continues.” This follows President Trump’s order on Saturday to dispatch 2,000 National Guard troops, with only 300 currently on the ground and 1,700 more prepared to mobilize.
Chaos Grips Los Angeles
Sunday night marked the third consecutive day of protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles, with the situation spiraling into chaos. Approximately 2,000 rioters blocked the 101 Freeway, while others attacked police with fireworks and concrete blocks. Two motorcyclists rammed into police lines, and a group set several driverless Waymo cars ablaze, releasing toxic fumes into the air, according to LAPD reports. As the night progressed, looters targeted stores, prompting police to declare downtown Los Angeles an unlawful assembly area.
Law enforcement responded with pellets and tear gas, striking both protesters and media personnel. At least three officers were injured, and 27 individuals were arrested. LAPD Chief McDonnell condemned the violence, describing it as “disgusting” during a press conference. “We are overwhelmed,” he told NBC Los Angeles. “Tonight, we had individuals out there shooting commercial-grade fireworks at our officers. That can k*ll you.”
Newsom Points Finger at Trump
Governor Newsom attributed the unrest to President Trump’s involvement, arguing that the federal deployment has inflamed tensions. “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed,” he posted on X. “Rescind the order. Return control to California.”
In a fiery announcement on Sunday evening, Newsom revealed plans for the lawsuit, accusing Trump of being “a stone-cold liar.” He claimed their Friday conversation was “very civil” and that Trump “never once” mentioned the National Guard. “I’ve always wanted to approach engagement with the President of the United States in a respectful and responsible way. But there’s no working with the president, there’s only working for him. And I will never work for Donald Trump,” Newsom declared.
Local and Federal Tensions Rise
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed Newsom’s concerns, warning that the National Guard’s presence could exacerbate the situation. “Deploying federalized troops on the heels of these raids is a chaotic escalation,” she said. “If you want there to be chaos, then have troops on the ground when there is absolutely no need for that to happen.”
In response, President Trump took to Truth Social late Sunday, lambasting Newsom and Bass for their handling of the crisis. “Governor Gavin Newscum and ‘Mayor’ Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots,” he wrote, claiming the unrest was driven by “paid insurrectionists.” He added, “Looking really bad L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!”
Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered rewards of up to $50,000 for information on protesters who allegedly assaulted an officer, with one suspect added to the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list. Outside Camp Pendleton, veterans and others protested the potential use of military forces in civilian demonstrations, according to CBS 8.
Newsom’s Next Steps
Newsom is meeting with LAPD and sheriff officials to strategize on de-escalating the protests, which he falsely described as sparked “by chaos from Washington.” “We’re here to keep the peace — not play into Trump’s political games,” he posted on X.
As the legal and physical confrontations unfold, the defiance by state authorities towards federal authorities threatens to deepen the turmoil in Los Angeles, with both sides doubling down on their positions. The outcome of Newsom’s lawsuit and the city’s ability to restore order remain uncertain as tensions continue to mount.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
