Newsom's Speech: It’s About The 2028 Democratic Presidential Primary

Showboating Over Substance

Gavin Newsom's eight-minute video message, posted last night, just minutes before downtown Los Angeles was placed in a 10-hour LAPD-enforced lockdown, was less a call for calm than an audition for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. Newsom, as adroitly as usual, seizes a political opportunity to present himself as the “counterpoint” to President Donald Trump while taking precisely no responsibility for the chaos that is occurring on his watch. Newsom takes center stage, portraying federal immigration enforcement as a dystopian attack to build his national image. This isn't leadership—it's opportunism, exploiting a city's crisis for personal gain while disregarding the rule of law.

Misrepresenting Federal Law Enforcement (Quote #1)

“This administration is pushing mass deportations, indiscriminately targeting hardworking immigrant families, regardless of their roots or risk.”

Newsom's accusation of "indiscriminate" deportations is a calculated misstatement. The enforcement actions by federal immigration officers single out only immigrants who have violated the federal criminal law against illegal entry into the country, frequently with prior criminal convictions or outstanding deportation orders, not "hardworking families" arbitrarily. His propaganda hides the truth that federal actions are about public safety, not persecution. By characterizing enforcement as callous, Newsom stokes passion, conveniently overlooking California's sanctuary policies protecting criminals and taxing local resources.

Hypocrisy on Violence (Quote 2)

“If you incite violence or destroy our communities, you are going to be held to account. Such criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Full stop.”

How rich for Newsom to lament violence when his policies have indulged lawlessness for so long. California's soft-on-crime policy—seen in Proposition 47's reduced penalties, his refusal to fund the implementation of Proposition 36, passed overwhelmingly by voters last November, and his ongoing embrace of “sanctuary” policies—has contributed to city decay, with Los Angeles tallying $50 million in damage so far this year. His “tough-guy” rhetoric rings hollow, a posturing pivot to deflect blame from the failures of his administration as protests rage out of control. Nothing speaks more to this than the California Highway Patrol putting out a press release on X about not enforcing federal immigration laws while protestors are destroying CHP cruisers.

Demonizing Federal Action (Quote #3)

“Donald Trump, without consulting California law enforcement leaders, commandeered 2,000 of our state’s National Guard members to deploy on our streets, illegally and for no reason.”

Newsom's accusation of an "illegal" deployment of the National Guard empty posturing. The federal government possesses the authority under the law to deploy soldiers to secure federal property and enforce immigration law. His legal objection to this measure is political theater, not a constitutional doctrine. An attempt by the State of California to get an injunction against the federal government’s troop deployment was already rejected by a judge. Through complaining about "militarization," Newsom undermines the efforts to reassert order, opting for appearance over safety.

Overhyping Military Deployment (Quote #4)

“He deployed more than 700 active U.S. Marines. These are men and women trained in foreign combat, not domestic law enforcement.”

Newsom's characterization and implication of Marines having been deployed on the streets of Los Angeles is a total misrepresentation. The Marines and National Guard troops were dispatched to protect federal buildings, a standard precaution against turmoil, not to police the populace. Although their proximity to the violence does have them near at hand, unrest should overwhelm local law enforcement resources. His inflammatory rhetoric inflames fear, describing lawful federal action as tyranny. This is classic Newsom: sensationalizing to score points while de-emphasizing the need to get a handle on the violence on the streets.

Smearing Legal Authority (Quote #5)

“If some of us can be snatched off the streets without a warrant, based only on suspicion or skin color, then none of us are safe.”

Newsom's warrantless arrest argument because of "skin color" is fear-mongering at its worst. ICE operates under legal protocols, targeting specific individuals or businesses with documented violations, not ethnic groups. His inflammatory language, accusing the President of authoritarianism, is an effort to increase tensions rather than dissipate them. With his words, Newsom fuels division, shirking his responsibility for California's policy failures.

Cillizza's Warning: A Risky Gamble

Respected political analyst Chris Cillizza, in a video commentary this morning, astutely notes that Newsom's Trump-bashing is genius for the 2028 Democratic primary but potentially catastrophic for the party's general election prospects. By casting himself as the "leader of the opposition," Newsom appeals to the liberal base, to which his viral video racking up millions of hits testifies. But Cillizza warns that images of burned vehicles and standoffs with cops only serve to enhance Trump's law-and-order platform, especially on immigration—a losing ticket for Democrats. Newsom's political gamble will give him headlines but may turn off swing voters and damn his party's broader appeal.

A Divisive Political Play

Newsom's speech is largely political theater rather than a blueprint for addressing Los Angeles' crisis. By framing federal enforcement as an assault on "democracy," he stokes division and sidesteps responsibility for California's failures. His courtroom duels and defiant posturing—daring Trump to "come arrest me"—are designed for viral sound bites, not public safety. With 75,000 homeless in LA County and protests derailing everyday life, Newsom's obsession with vilifying Trump deflects his inability to lead. As the 2028 Olympics approach, his political posturing during a crisis risks turning LA into a global symbol of chaos, undermining the city’s promise of harmony.