Mike Johnson Calls Out Gavin Newsom for Obstructing Law and Order Amid LA Protests

In a fiery exchange during a press conference, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) did not hold back in his condemnation of California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), asserting that Newsom should be "tarred and feathered" for his handling of the violent protests in Los Angeles.

Johnson’s comment came as part of a broader criticism of Newsom’s opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard to help restore order amid anti-immigration enforcement protests in the city.

Johnson’s statement, while dramatic, was a response to what he sees as Newsom’s dangerous stance in the face of lawlessness and his refusal to support federal intervention to restore peace.

The exchange centered around the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles, where protests, spurred by Trump’s immigration enforcement actions, had escalated into violence.

The protests saw demonstrators blocking freeways, setting cars on fire, and clashing with law enforcement in several parts of the city. In response, President Trump authorized the deployment of the National Guard to help contain the situation and assist local law enforcement.

However, Newsom, aligning with his liberal base, objected to the move, calling it an illegal federalization of the National Guard and subsequently filing a lawsuit to block the deployment.

At a press conference, Speaker Johnson was asked about Trump’s endorsement of the idea that Tom Homan, the former Border Patrol chief and Trump’s border czar, should arrest Newsom for his actions.

While Johnson stopped short of offering a legal opinion on whether Newsom should face arrest, he made his feelings clear in a blunt remark: “I’m not going to give you legal analysis on whether Gavin Newsom should be arrested, but he ought to be tarred and feathered, I’ll say that.”

His statement was a sharp rebuke of Newsom’s refusal to support federal law enforcement efforts, particularly those aimed at containing the protests that had spiraled out of control.

Johnson’s criticism was pointed, and he did not hesitate to call Newsom out for what he saw as an obstruction of justice. “He’s standing in the way of the administration and the carrying out of federal law,” Johnson said.

“He is applauding the bad guys and standing in the way of the good guys.” In Johnson’s view, Newsom’s actions weren’t just a political disagreement with the Trump administration; they were a direct hindrance to the work of federal law enforcement officials, who were facing not just disrespect but physical assaults at the hands of the protesters.

The Louisiana congressman’s remarks highlighted the growing divide between conservative and liberal leadership, especially in states like California, where progressive policies are seen as undermining law and order.

The violent protests in Los Angeles have been a major flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of federal law enforcement in local governance.

While many local Democratic leaders, including Newsom, have taken a stance against the federal government’s immigration policies, Trump and his allies have doubled down on their commitment to using federal power to secure the country’s borders and ensure that laws are upheld.

For Trump and his supporters, the recent events in Los Angeles were proof that when left unchecked, protests against immigration enforcement can quickly devolve into violence, endangering not just public safety but the very fabric of society.

Newsom’s objection to the use of military force to quell the protests has drawn significant criticism from Republicans, who view it as an example of a Democratic governor prioritizing political posturing over the safety and well-being of his citizens.

“What a joke. Do your job, man, that’s what I tell Gavin Newsom. Do your job,” Johnson said, emphasizing that Newsom should focus on his responsibilities as governor instead of working on his rebranding or political ambitions.

Johnson’s blunt language reflected the growing frustration among conservatives who feel that Democratic leaders like Newsom have failed to address the lawlessness and chaos in their own cities. For many, Newsom’s refusal to support federal intervention in the face of such violent protests is seen as a dereliction of duty.

The tensions between Newsom and Trump reached a boiling point after Trump publicly endorsed the idea of Tom Homan arresting the California governor.

When asked by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy whether Homan should go ahead and arrest Newsom, Trump responded without hesitation: “I would do it if I were Tom.”

Trump’s words were a clear indication of his frustration with Newsom’s obstructionism and his belief that the federal government must take strong action to restore order.

The president’s endorsement of the idea drew sharp criticism from Newsom, who described it as “an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”

Newsom’s response on social media further fueled the growing political firestorm, with the governor mocking Trump’s remarks as “1700’s style forms of punishment.”

Despite the growing backlash, Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, have rallied around Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles and to confront local Democratic leaders who have obstructed the efforts to restore order.

Johnson has been a vocal advocate for the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, seeing it as a necessary measure to maintain national security and prevent the country from descending into chaos.

In a closed-door meeting with House Republicans on Tuesday morning, Johnson played a video of the destruction and violence in pockets of Los Angeles, using it as evidence of why federal intervention was needed.

The video, which showed burning cars, vandalized businesses, and violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, painted a stark picture of the breakdown in order that Trump and his allies believe must be addressed with force if necessary.

In the same meeting, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke to Republican members, further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to confronting the unrest and protecting American citizens.

The Trump administration’s response to the protests, according to Leavitt, is grounded in the belief that the federal government has an obligation to intervene when local governments fail to ensure the safety of their citizens.

This position is consistent with Trump’s broader view that the role of government is to secure the nation and enforce the law, particularly when faced with an existential threat like widespread violence and civil unrest.

As the situation in Los Angeles continues to unfold, the clash between Republican leaders like Trump and Johnson and Democratic leaders like Newsom is unlikely to subside.

For many Republicans, Newsom’s refusal to support the federal government’s intervention is seen as a reflection of a broader problem with progressive governance, where the safety of citizens is secondary to political ideology.

In contrast, Trump’s supporters argue that his willingness to deploy the military to restore order is a demonstration of his commitment to protecting Americans, regardless of their political leanings.

For Trump and his allies, this is a matter of national security and public safety, and they will continue to push back against any opposition to federal law enforcement efforts.

As the political divide deepens, it’s clear that this clash over the role of the federal government in managing protests and enforcing immigration laws is only going to intensify.

With Republicans like Johnson continuing to call out Democratic governors like Newsom for their failure to act decisively, and Trump maintaining his stance on using military force to restore order, the debate over law enforcement, immigration, and state versus federal authority will remain at the forefront of the national conversation.

In conclusion, Speaker Mike Johnson’s scathing remarks about Gavin Newsom’s handling of the Los Angeles protests, coupled with Trump’s endorsement of more forceful federal intervention, reflect the Republican Party’s unwavering commitment to using every available tool to restore order in the face of violent unrest.

As the conflict between state and federal authorities continues, Johnson and Trump are leading the charge for stronger enforcement of the law, prioritizing the safety and security of American citizens above partisan politics.

While Newsom and other Democratic leaders may continue to oppose these measures, the call for law and order is resonating with many Americans who see Trump’s approach as the only viable solution to the growing chaos in U.S. cities.