President Donald Trump didn’t flinch when asked whether border czar Tom Homan should arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom. His answer: “I would do it, if I were Tom.”
That remark followed a public dare from Newsom, who taunted Homan after a media report suggested federal charges could be brought against officials who obstruct immigration enforcement. “Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy,” Newsom said. “I don’t give a damn.”
The exchange erupted as violent riots spread through Los Angeles in the wake of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that led to the arrest of 100 illegal immigrants, including gang members and drug traffickers. Far-left protesters responded by torching vehicles, launching Molotov cocktails, and defacing buildings with slogans like “KILL ICE.”
The chaos prompted Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard soldiers to the streets of Los Angeles on Saturday—a move sharply criticized by Newsom and Democratic Mayor Karen Bass. But for many Americans watching the destruction unfold, the president’s decision was a welcome sign that someone was finally taking control.
Homan pushed back on the original NBC News clip that triggered the feud, calling the network’s portrayal “dishonest.” He clarified that while protesters have First Amendment rights, they are not free to break the law.
“They can’t cross that line of putting their hands on officers. They can’t cross that line of knowingly concealing an illegal alien,” Homan said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. “It’s all in federal statute and they will be prosecuted.”
Despite that clarification, Newsom’s outburst suggested he’s more concerned with scoring media points than protecting public safety. He painted federal enforcement efforts as “bloviating” and said he “cares about this community,” even as that community endures another wave of violence under his leadership.
Trump’s response was direct. “Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing. He’s done a terrible job,” the president said. “Look, I like Gavin Newsom. He’s a nice guy, but he’s grossly incompetent.”
Trump pointed to California’s infamous high-speed rail project as a symbol of Newsom’s failure. “It’s about 100 times over budget,” he said, highlighting the governor’s mismanagement.
Meanwhile, Newsom and his allies continue to resist immigration enforcement, using sanctuary policies and public rhetoric to undermine federal law. But Trump and Homan have made it clear: obstruction will not be tolerated.
The unrest in Los Angeles is just the latest example of what happens when radical policies collide with reality. As Democrats defend rioters and attack the federal government, Trump is standing with law enforcement and American citizens who are tired of lawlessness.
The president’s leadership is drawing a line in the sand—and daring Democrats to cross it. Newsom already has, and now he’s facing the full weight of a government finally willing to enforce the law.
While liberal cities burn, conservatives are reminded of what’s at stake. This isn’t just a clash of personalities—it’s a battle between chaos and control, anarchy and accountability.
And Trump isn’t backing down.
