Trump accuses Newsom of complicity with protest rioters!

Trump accuses Newsom of complicity with protest rioters!

In a heated war of words between US President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, political tensions and protests against migration policy are at the forefront. Trump accused Newsom of supporting radical demonstrators and undermining order in Los Angeles. This came during a speech at the Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina, where he stated that Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had "paid troublemakers, agitators and agitators" without providing any evidence. His accusation goes hand in hand with long-standing criticism of Newsom's administration.

The president accused the governor of not only neglecting his duties but of being actively involved in attempting to ignore federal law, leaving the city infested with “criminal intruders.” The situation in Los Angeles, where protests against Trump's harsh migration policies have been taking place for days, worsened further when the US government sent 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 marines without Newsom's consent. This expression of military presence was vehemently rejected by Newsom.

Dispute over arrest demands

The conflict escalated on Monday when Trump called for Newsom's arrest. That demand followed protests targeting Trump's federal immigration raids and his decision to send troops to California. While Trump sharply criticized Newsom's leadership in various areas, including his handling of the Los Angeles fires and policies for transgender athletes, Newsom initially responded more cautiously to the attacks.

However, on the same day, Newsom changed his strategy and used social media and interviews to respond to the allegations. In a clear signal that he did not want to be intimidated, he called on Border Commissioner Tom Homan to arrest him in an MSNBC interview, saying he was ready to "just get it over with." Trump's response to this challenge was that he would do it if he were in Homan's place.

Reactions on social media

Amid this political tussle, social media has also emerged as a significant battleground. Newsom shared a video of Trump's comments, calling the call for the arrest of a sitting governor an "unequivocal step toward authoritarianism." Trump described Newsom's "major crime" as his candidacy for governor and sharply criticized the Californian's previous administration. In this tense atmosphere, Newsom countered with videos that mocked Trump's Republican supporters and questioned his rhetoric.

The bitter dispute is not only a sign of the divided political state in the United States, but also an indication of ongoing tensions over immigration and government responsibility. It remains to be seen whether the mayor of Los Angeles, the American flag during the protests and the spiraling conflicts between the federal and state governments will contribute to reconciliation.

Further information about the protests in Los Angeles and the political conflict can be found at Radio Cologne and The New York Times.