Governor Gavin Newsom vehemently denounced President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to California, describing it as a misuse of power and a threat to the rule of law. Newsom detailed the negative impacts on state functions and the unjust treatment of Senator Alex Padilla.
Trump's Actions: A 'Vulgar Display of Weakness'
Newsom characterized President Trump's actions as a “vulgar display of weakness,” comparable to tactics employed by authoritarian leaders. He highlighted the commandeering of the National Guard for purposes unrelated to their traditional roles, such as border security and wildfire prevention.
The Incident with Senator Alex Padilla
Newsom expressed outrage over the treatment of Senator Alex Padilla, who was reportedly handcuffed and thrown to the ground during a press conference. He emphasized Padilla's reputation as a mild-mannered individual, and condemned the incident as a disgrace.
National Guard Redeployment
The governor announced that the National Guard would be returned to their previous duties by noon the following day. This included resuming roles in border security, counter-drug enforcement, and wildfire prevention.
Legal Action and Judicial Order
Newsom referenced a 36-page order from Justice Breyer, which supported the governor's authority over the National Guard's deployment. He expressed confidence in the legal process and expected Trump to comply with the court order. Failure to comply, he warned, could lead to a constitutional crisis.
Communication with Other Governors
Newsom stated that Republican governors had been awaiting the judicial decision before taking action. He cited the hypocrisy of some Republican governors who previously opposed federal intervention, yet allowed the mistreatment of Senator Padilla.
Impact on Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Newsom underscored the negative impact of diverting National Guard resources from essential tasks like wildfire response and public safety to other, questionable assignments. He detailed the shift in focus to ICE raids and the resulting concerns.
ICE Raids and Their Consequences
Newsom detailed harrowing accounts from Oxnard, California, illustrating the harsh effects of indiscriminate ICE raids on families, including the case of a 12-year-old boy left alone after his parents' detention. He described other instances of arbitrary arrests and the widespread fear and distress they created.
Economic Impacts and Public Opinion
Newsom warned about the potential economic consequences of Trump's actions, highlighting the disruption to essential industries like agriculture and construction due to the raids. He argued that the majority of Americans do not support such tactics.
Role of the Courts and Citizens
Newsom emphasized his faith in the judicial branch to uphold the rule of law. He also stressed the importance of citizens actively exercising their constitutional rights to peacefully push back against unjust actions.
Trump's Actions: A Calculated Strategy?
The governor suggested that Trump's actions were a deliberate strategy to create problems and then portray himself as a hero. He rejected any notion of Trump's sincerity, blaming him for the increased scale and scope of the raids.
Ongoing Investigations
Newsom confirmed that investigations into the incident involving Senator Padilla were underway, led by the California Highway Patrol and the LAPD. He assured reporters that their safety was a priority.
Conclusion: Upholding the Rule of Law
Governor Newsom concluded by reiterating his commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. He expressed optimism that the judicial decision would stand and that the actions of President Trump would ultimately be checked.
