A Governor, a Lawsuit, and a Presidential Threat: Trump vs. Newsom Hits New Boiling Point
By Natalie | Ourtruth News | June 9, 2025
The crowd in Phoenix had already been roaring when Donald Trump took the stage on Sunday. But it wasn’t just campaign slogans and applause that dominated the evening—it was a provocative threat that echoed across the nation.
“If I were in office, I’d have Newsom arrested. Absolutely,” Trump declared, referring to California Governor Gavin Newsom. His supporters erupted, but elsewhere—especially in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.—the words sent a chill.
The former president’s statement came in the wake of a high-profile lawsuit filed by California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta. The legal complaint accuses the federal government of violating the Constitution by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles without the state’s approval. For Newsom and California Democrats, it’s a textbook case of federal overreach. For Trump, it’s defiance that should be punished.
Tensions Boil Over in California
The deployment itself came after days of chaos in Los Angeles, where immigration-related protests erupted into violence. Demonstrators took to the streets after a series of federal immigration raids swept through immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. Videos showing tear gas, detentions, and armored vehicles quickly went viral.
California officials contend that the Guard deployment made the situation worse, not better. “This isn’t coordination. It’s occupation,” Newsom said last week. “The people of California didn’t ask for this, and we certainly didn’t approve it.”
The state’s lawsuit leans heavily on constitutional principles—particularly the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts federal military involvement in civilian law enforcement without state consent. “We are witnessing a violation of law dressed up as law enforcement,” Bonta told reporters.
From Dispute to Showdown
Trump’s remarks have thrown gasoline on an already raging fire. While no legal mechanism exists for a president—or former president—to order the arrest of a sitting governor, his comments have intensified a narrative of political vengeance that some see as reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
“He doesn’t need to be in office to incite chaos,” said Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA). “This is not just rhetoric—it’s dangerous and destabilizing.”
Supporters of Trump, however, see the moment differently. “Trump’s just saying what a lot of people think,” one rally attendee in Phoenix told PerfectLcraft. “Newsom’s putting immigrants before Americans. Someone has to draw the line.”
Constitutional Crossroads
Legal experts are now watching closely. “This is shaping up to be one of the most consequential tests of federalism in years,” said Professor Lila Mendoza of Berkeley Law. “At stake is not just who controls the National Guard—but how far political leaders will go to assert control over their rivals.”
Despite the chaos, Newsom appears unfazed. His office released a brief statement after Trump’s remarks: “California follows the law. We suggest the former president try that for once.”
What Comes Next?
The case will now move through federal court, likely under intense media scrutiny. Meanwhile, protests in LA continue, and calls for accountability from both sides grow louder. In the streets, in courtrooms, and on campaign trails, the Trump-Newsom standoff has become a lightning rod for America’s deepest political divisions.
Whether it ends with court orders or campaign slogans remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the battle lines have been drawn—and no one’s backing down.
