‘We're suing him': Newsom slams Trump's National Guard move as protests continue across California
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced legal action against President Donald Trump after federal troops were deployed to Los Angeles without state approval, sparking widespread protests for a third consecutive day.
In a post on X, Newsom said, 'This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted. He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalise the National Guard. The order he signed doesn't just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing. We're suing him.'
This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted.
He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard.
The order he signed doesn't just apply to CA.
It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing.
We're suing him.pic.twitter.com/O3RAGlp2zo
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 9, 2025
Trump's decision, issued under Title 10 of the US Code, sends 2,000 National Guard personnel to California under federal command, bypassing the governor. Newsom argues this violates the requirement for state coordination and puts lives at risk.
'Donald Trump is reckless, he's immoral,' Newsom said at a press briefing. 'They never coordinated with the governor of the state.'
The move triggered protests across Los Angeles and San Francisco. Police said 27 people were arrested in downtown LA and about 60 in San Francisco. Some demonstrators allegedly threw Molotov cocktails and damaged property. Three officers were injured in San Francisco, one requiring hospital care.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the deployment and criticised Newsom's leadership. In a post on X, she said, 'Gavin Newsom did nothing as violent riots erupted in Los Angeles… because Governor Newsom was too weak to protect the city.'
Gavin Newsom did nothing as violent riots erupted in Los Angeles for days.
Federal law enforcement officers were attacked by violent radicals and illegal criminals waving foreign flags because Governor Newsom was too weak to protect the city.
The Los Angeles Police Chief has… https://t.co/kuoBOs4rUJ
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) June 9, 2025
Tom Homan, the White House Border Czar, clarified that there had been 'no discussion about arresting Newsom,' after his earlier remarks sparked speculation. Homan said anyone obstructing federal law enforcement may face legal consequences, but denied targeting the governor.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis urged calm.
'Angelenos don't engage in violence and chaos. Don't give the administration what they want,' Bass said. Kounalakis added, 'Our strength is in unity, not chaos.'
Earlier today I met with @CAgovernor, @LAPDPoliceChief, @LAPDHQ, and @LACoSheriff to discuss how we keep all Angelenos safe.
Angelenos — don't engage in violence and chaos. Don't give the administration what they want. pic.twitter.com/d2RRpP0krV
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) June 9, 2025
Trump also signed a new executive order tightening immigration enforcement, including a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries and a fast-track deportation process. The policy allows undocumented migrants to receive $1,000 and travel costs if they choose to leave voluntarily.
The protests, which began over the weekend, grew after federal forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Self-driving cars were set ablaze and highways were blocked in LA.
Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the unrest, according to CNN.
As demonstrations continue, legal experts say the lawsuit over Title 10 could set a major precedent for federal power and state rights in the months ahead.
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