In a fiery video posted on X, actor Jon Voight, a longtime and passionate supporter of President Donald Trump, sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his handling of the immigration protests and the subsequent unrest in Los Angeles.
Voight, who has been vocal in his praise of Trump throughout his presidency, did not hold back in his condemnation of Newsom’s response to the violence and destruction that has gripped the city.
The actor called Newsom “a fool” for attempting to shift the blame for the riots onto President Trump, rather than taking responsibility for the chaos unfolding in his state.
The violence in Los Angeles, sparked by protests over immigration enforcement actions, has led to widespread destruction, including looting, fires, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Voight’s comments were made in the context of Newsom’s public criticisms of Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard soldiers and Marines to the city in an attempt to restore order.
Despite Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s objections, Trump made the decisive move to send federal forces into California to support local law enforcement and safeguard federal buildings.
This intervention, which came in response to escalating violence, was widely supported by conservatives who view it as a necessary step to protect American citizens and uphold the rule of law.
In his video, Voight expressed his frustration with Newsom’s handling of the crisis, accusing the governor of failing to address the root causes of the violence and of politicizing the situation.
“You’re a fool blaming Trump,” Voight said, addressing Newsom directly. “What are you doing for this destruction of these animals destroying Los Angeles? Are you there talking calmly with them, you fool?”
The actor’s remarks were a stark condemnation of Newsom’s leadership, or lack thereof, as the unrest continued to spiral out of control in the streets of one of America’s most iconic cities.
Voight’s language was unflinching, as he further criticized Newsom for failing to take responsibility for the actions of the protesters. “They would burn you down like they’re burning the cars and the American flag, with no regard for humanity,” he added, referencing the violence and flag-burning that have become central features of the protests.
For Voight, the issue was not about Trump’s political agenda but about protecting innocent people from violent criminals who were wreaking havoc on the city. He firmly believed that it was necessary for federal intervention to prevent further destruction.
As protests broke out across Los Angeles on Friday, local authorities, including Newsom and Bass, insisted that the situation did not warrant the deployment of federal troops.
They argued that the National Guard’s presence was escalatory and would only fuel further unrest. Bass, in particular, ordered a curfew in parts of downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday night, as law enforcement worked to control the situation.
The Associated Press reported that National Guard troops stood watch as local police made arrests, although it was noted that the National Guard did not actively participate in the arrests.
This was seen by many as a sign that the federal presence was limited to providing support rather than taking over law enforcement duties.
In a post earlier on Monday, Newsom had criticized Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, claiming that the soldiers were being sent to Los Angeles without the necessary supplies or accommodations.
“You sent your troops here without fuel, food, water or a place to sleep. Here they are—being forced to sleep on the floor, piled on top of one another,” Newsom wrote, attaching photos of the soldiers to his post.
The governor went further, accusing Trump of treating the troops disrespectfully. “If anyone is treating our troops disrespectfully, it is you @realDonaldTrump,” Newsom added in his post.
Voight, however, vehemently disagreed with Newsom’s assessment of the situation and pushed back forcefully against the criticism of Trump. He argued that the president’s decision to deploy the National Guard was essential for protecting the people of Los Angeles from the violence and lawlessness that had overtaken the city.
“This is not about Trump,” Voight stated. “This is about protecting the people from these animals and criminals trying to destroy us. And our police force, are they supposed to stand there, let rocks hit them and kill them? Who’s going to save them? You?”
Voight’s comments resonated with many on the right who believe that the federal government has a duty to step in when local and state leaders fail to maintain order.
For Voight, the issue was clear: President Trump’s actions were motivated by a desire to protect American citizens and uphold the rule of law, while Newsom’s refusal to support the intervention was indicative of his inability to address the situation effectively.
The actor’s comments highlighted a key point in the ongoing debate about federal versus state authority, particularly when it comes to the use of military force in domestic unrest.
As the violence in Los Angeles continued to escalate, the presence of National Guard troops and Marines was seen by many as a necessary measure to restore order and prevent further destruction.
The protests, which initially began as demonstrations against immigration raids, had quickly devolved into violent riots, with looting, arson, and clashes with police becoming widespread.
For many conservatives, including Voight and Trump, the decision to deploy federal forces was a no-brainer. The president’s approach to handling the unrest was seen as a commitment to law and order, while Newsom’s refusal to allow federal intervention was viewed as a failure to protect the people of his state.
Voight’s criticism of Newsom extended beyond just his handling of the protests; he also took aim at the governor’s broader political agenda. In his video, Voight called Newsom a “lying dog” and a “disgrace,” accusing him of putting political ambitions ahead of the safety and well-being of his constituents.
Voight’s remarks were a reflection of the growing frustration among conservatives with the Democratic leadership in California, who have been criticized for their handling of issues like crime, homelessness, and immigration.
For Voight, Newsom’s failure to effectively address the unrest in Los Angeles was just another example of his inability to lead.
The actor’s support for President Trump in the face of criticism from Newsom and other Democratic leaders was unwavering. Voight has been a vocal supporter of Trump for years, regularly praising his policies on immigration, law enforcement, and economic growth.
In his latest video, Voight reiterated his belief that Trump’s leadership was crucial in ensuring the safety of the American people, particularly in times of crisis.
“Trump is the one who’s willing to step up and protect us when no one else will,” Voight said, reinforcing his view that the president’s approach to handling the situation was the right one.
In conclusion, Jon Voight’s scathing criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the immigration protests in Los Angeles serves as a powerful reminder of the stark ideological divide between conservative and liberal leadership on issues of law and order.
While Newsom and other Democratic leaders have criticized President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to the city, conservatives, including Voight, have defended the move as a necessary step to restore order and protect innocent people from the violence that has plagued the streets of Los Angeles.
Voight’s impassioned defense of Trump’s actions underscores the deep frustrations among conservatives with the failure of Democratic leaders to take decisive action in the face of growing unrest.
For many, the president’s leadership in times of crisis is what sets him apart from his political opponents, and Voight’s comments only add fuel to the fire as the debate over law enforcement and federal intervention continues to unfold.