On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and Vice President Vance found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange on social media regarding the escalating situation in the Los Angeles area. This back-and-forth began when Newsom reacted to comments made by President Trump, who suggested that he would support the arrest of the Golden State governor.
In a post on the social platform X, Newsom expressed his deep concern over Trump’s remarks, stating, “The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican, this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.” His comments reflect a strong defense of democratic principles and an implicit warning against the erosion of political norms.
Nearly two hours later, Vice President Vance responded to Newsom's comments on X, urging the governor to “Do your job.” He emphasized, “That’s all we’re asking,” implying that the situation in California had deteriorated since Trump’s involvement. This pointed criticism suggests that Vance holds Newsom accountable for the ongoing unrest and unrest in the region.
In a sharp retort, Newsom fired back at Vance in the evening, stating, “Do YOUR job. We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. Rescind the order. Return control to California.” This exchange highlights the mounting tensions surrounding the management of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles.
In response to the protests, President Trump had ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to the Los Angeles area on Saturday, citing concerns over “violent mobs” attacking federal law enforcement agents involved in deportation operations. Further amplifying military presence, U.S. Northern Command announced on Monday that approximately 700 Marines would also be moved to Los Angeles, raising alarms about the use of military force in response to civil unrest.
The Hill has reached out to Vance’s office for comment, as the situation continues to unfold. As tensions rise in Los Angeles, the political discourse between Newsom and Vance sheds light on the broader implications of federal intervention in local matters, the role of state governance, and the importance of maintaining democratic principles.
