Newsom Blasts Trump Over Federal Troop Deployment: “This Is a Manufactured Crisis”

Newsom Condemns Federalization of California National Guard

California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s federal deployment of troops to Los Angeles, calling it a “manufactured crisis” and warning of unlawful overreach by the federal government.

“This is 100% a Trump-manufactured crisis,” Newsom said via the Governor’s Press Office. “He and his team are sowing chaos and division — unnecessarily and without any formal request from local law enforcement. Simply put, it’s unlawful and it needs to end — ASAP.”

“Democracy Is in the Balance”

During a press briefing late Sunday, Newsom responded to reporters’ questions about the growing unrest in Los Angeles, where National Guard troops and riot police have clashed with demonstrators protesting federal immigration raids.

Asked to speak directly to those engaging in violence, Newsom acknowledged the broader stakes: “They’re doing more than just damage to buildings and property,” he said. “They’re potentially damaging the very foundation of our republic. Democracy is in the balance.”

He sharply criticized the Trump administration’s decision to federalize the California National Guard and to put Marines on standby, calling the move “authoritarian” and dangerous. “We’re a case in point, as it relates to nationalizing—federalizing—the National Guard,” he said. “They’re now even threatening to bring in the Marines.”

Calls for Restraint and Respect for Protesters’ Rights

While strongly condemning violence and vandalism, Newsom emphasized his support for peaceful protests and the rights of immigrants. “We want to keep them safe,” he said of demonstrators. “We want them to exercise their fundamental rights. And we want to keep those who are enforcing the laws—respectfully and responsibly—safe as well.”

But his most pointed remarks were directed at President Trump. “Donald Trump needs to pull back. He needs to stand down. Donald Trump is inflaming these conditions. This is Donald Trump’s problem now. And if he can’t solve it, we will.”

Political Divide Widens Amid Growing Unrest

The confrontation between California leadership and the Trump administration is intensifying as Los Angeles grapples with violent protests, curfews, freeway shutdowns, and military deployments. Governor Newsom’s remarks signal growing resistance at the state level to what Democrats are increasingly calling federal overreach and political theater.

With legal challenges expected and federal agencies doubling down on enforcement, California now finds itself at the center of a larger national struggle over immigration, executive power, and protest rights.