California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t hold back this week, delivering a fiery speech slamming Donald Trump’s deployment of nearly 5,000 troops to Los Angeles and warning that American democracy is “under assault before our eyes”.
The remarks have been widely praised by non-MAGA Americans and democracy defenders, with clips going viral across social media.
🪖 ‘Military dragnet’ hits LA
Newsom’s comments came after Trump ordered National Guard and Marine deployments to crack down on escalating protests sparked by aggressive new ICE raids.
“They’re pulling a military dragnet across Los Angeles,” Newsom said. “This isn’t about safety — it’s about control.”
The LAPD confirmed it made mass arrests downtown after LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a citywide curfew. The unrest follows days of protests against immigration raids that have led to clashes, vandalism, and some looting.
🧒 “They went after families and children”
Bass also criticised the White House’s heavy-handed approach. Writing on X, she said:
“The Trump administration told us they were going after violent criminals… But they went after a Home Depot. They’re going after families and children. That does not make Los Angeles more safe.”
Protests have now spread beyond LA, with major demonstrations reported in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Omaha, and Seattle.
Trump has denied claims that he accused Newsom and Bass of funding agitators – but tensions between federal and state authorities are clearly on the rise.
🎤 “You can only work for him”
The standout moment came when Newsom addressed Trump directly in a now-viral clip:
“I’ve tried to work with him. You can’t work with Donald Trump. You can only work for him.
And I will not – I refuse – to work for Donald Trump.”
The line landed hard, striking a chord with critics of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and earning praise across progressive corners of social media.
Related: Watch: Trump mocked after muddled Biden insult goes hilariously wrong
