US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of failing to control violent protests over the weekend and demanding a public apology for what he called a “horrible” response to the escalating unrest.
Taking to Truth Social on Monday, Trump labeled the demonstrators as “paid insurrectionists” and blamed state and city leaders for allowing chaos to unfold. “Governor Gavin Newscum and ‘Mayor’ Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles,” he wrote. “These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists. Remember, NO MASKS!”
He later added a blunt follow-up post: “Paid Insurrectionists!”
The clashes erupted Saturday in Paramount, a city in LA County, where protesters confronted ICE agents outside a Home Depot. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and less-lethal munitions to disperse the crowd.
In response to the escalating violence, the White House confirmed that Trump had authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the region. Around 300 Guard members are already on the ground, with 500 Marines on standby.
Footage from the weekend showed protesters blocking the 101 Freeway, waving Mexican flags, and chanting “Viva la Raza,” while traffic came to a halt. Other videos depicted American flags being burned and explosives hurled at mounted police in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the LAPD Central Division, bottles and chunks of concrete were thrown at officers, prompting a dispersal order near Alameda and Temple Streets.
The FBI has launched a manhunt for a suspect involved in attacking a federal officer and damaging property. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Governor Newsom denounced Trump’s deployment of federal forces as “illegal,” claiming that California was not adequately consulted. He vowed to file a lawsuit and cautioned demonstrators not to fuel the confrontation. “Don’t give Trump what he wants,” he wrote on X.
https://t.co/308L5sQJpr pic.twitter.com/LxaFmaLoA4
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 9, 2025
Meanwhile, White House immigration adviser Tom Homan defended the federal action, asserting that immigration enforcement would continue in Los Angeles “every day.” He warned that any local officials who obstruct federal operations could face legal consequences, calling Newsom “an embarrassment for the state.”
I'm filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to end the illegal takeover of @TheCalGuard, which has escalated chaos and violence in LA.
Donald Trump's violation of the U.S. Constitution is an overstep of his authority.
We will not let this stand. pic.twitter.com/0gbysP0QOl
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 9, 2025
