Newsom Fires Back: California Sues Trump Over National Guard Takeover Amid LA Protests

The Showdown Begins: Newsom vs. Trump in the Courts

Did you see this coming? On June 10, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom officially filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The reason? Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 troops to Los Angeles during intense protests over federal immigration raids. Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta argue that this action violates both the U.S. Constitution and federal law, specifically because it happened without the governor’s consent—a requirement under 10 U.S.C. § 12406. Newsom blasted Trump’s move as a manufactured crisis, accusing him of creating chaos and overstepping presidential authority. This isn’t just about California, Newsom warns, but a dangerous precedent that could let the federal government override any state in the future.

Key Plays: How the LA Protests Escalated

Let’s break down what actually happened on the ground. The spark was a series of aggressive ICE raids in Los Angeles, which drew thousands of protesters into the streets. Demonstrations quickly escalated—major freeways like the 101 were blocked, self-driving cars set ablaze, and clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades. The situation intensified after Trump’s order, with National Guard troops arriving, carrying riot shields and long guns. Protesters chanted and jeered, while some threw concrete, rocks, and fireworks at law enforcement. Despite the chaos, Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass insisted that local authorities had the situation under control and that federal intervention was unnecessary and provocative.

Major Points of Contention: State Rights vs. Federal Power

Here’s the legal heart of the battle: Newsom claims Trump’s order to federalize the National Guard is not just illegal, but an assault on state sovereignty. According to the lawsuit, the President can only take such action in cases of foreign invasion or rebellion—neither of which, Newsom argues, was happening in LA. The governor says local law enforcement was managing the unrest, and there was no justification for bypassing the state government. Trump’s team, on the other hand, insists the deployment was necessary to restore order and protect public safety, blaming Newsom and Bass for failing to control the violence. The White House has labeled Newsom’s lawsuit a political stunt, while Newsom calls Trump’s actions Orwellian and unconstitutional.

Key Players: Who’s Who in This Political Drama?

Let’s talk about the main characters. Gavin Newsom, California’s Democratic governor, has emerged as a fierce defender of state rights and a vocal critic of Trump’s approach. Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading the legal charge, while LA Mayor Karen Bass stands with Newsom in opposition to the federal intervention. On the other side, President Trump is doubling down on his law-and-order message, defending the use of the National Guard and portraying Newsom as incompetent. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are also named in the lawsuit. Adding fuel to the fire, Trump’s border czar Tom Homan threatened to arrest Newsom and Bass for obstructing federal law enforcement—a challenge Newsom met head-on, daring Homan to “come after me, I don’t give a damn.”

Fan Reactions: Californians and Americans Sound Off

The public response has been electric. Social media exploded with hashtags like #StandWithNewsom and #DefendDemocracy, while Trump supporters praised the President for restoring order. Many Californians expressed outrage at what they see as an attack on their state’s autonomy, with some calling the federalization of the National Guard a slippery slope toward authoritarianism. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, announced plans to file their own lawsuits, arguing that using troops against protesters threatens First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, some residents in LA, exhausted by days of unrest, welcomed the National Guard’s presence, hoping it would bring calm. The divide reflects the broader polarization in American politics—one side sees Trump as a protector, the other as a usurper.

Exclusive Interviews: Voices from the Frontlines

In a series of televised interviews, Newsom didn’t hold back. On MSNBC, he called Trump’s order “immoral, illegal, and unconstitutional,” accusing the President of pouring gasoline on the fire for political gain. Newsom insisted he supports peaceful protest and condemned violence, but said Trump’s heavy-handed approach only made things worse. Trump, meanwhile, took to Truth Social to defend his decision, claiming LA would have been “utterly devastated” without the Guard and mocking Newsom as “incompetent.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer weighed in, calling the deployment a “distraction” from Trump’s other political woes, including a public spat with Elon Musk and controversial tax proposals. Even Elon Musk briefly entered the fray, sharing Trump’s posts and hinting at a possible reconciliation after their own falling out.

Team and Player Issues: What’s at Stake for California and Beyond?

This legal and political standoff has huge implications. For California, the loss of National Guard autonomy means fewer resources for emergencies like wildfires or drug interdiction. Newsom argues that Trump’s move endangers public safety and undermines the state’s ability to respond to crises. For the nation, the case could set a precedent on the limits of presidential power and the rights of states under the Constitution. The outcome will likely ripple into the 2028 presidential race, with Newsom seen as a potential contender. For Trump, the showdown is a chance to rally his base with a tough-on-immigration message and paint Democrats as weak on law and order. As the lawsuit moves forward, all eyes are on the courts—and the streets of LA—for the next chapter in this high-stakes American drama.