Gov. Newsom rebukes Trump on LA National Guard use and attacks his handling of Epstein case, fueling heated national debate.

Newsom and Trump Clash Over Federalized Troops in Los Angeles

California Governor Gavin Newsom escalated his criticism of President Donald Trump after the White House federalized National Guard troops in Los Angeles in response to anti-ICE riots. Speaking outside a Los Angeles church, Newsom called on Trump to “grow up” and demanded that state control be restored over the National Guard. He described the deployment as a “theatrical” waste of taxpayer money and accused the president of using service members as political pawns.

Newsom, a Democrat with presidential ambitions, said Trump’s actions have caused deep divisions within California communities. He argued that the president was prioritizing a show of strength over real solutions to public safety, wildfire response, and combating narcotics. Newsom also criticized the president’s lack of overseas deployments, noting that the decision to send 5,000 troops to a U.S. city rather than abroad marked a sharp departure from presidential precedent.

Governor Presses Trump on Epstein Files Amid White House Pushback

The dispute between Newsom and Trump has also expanded to include the ongoing controversy over records related to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Newsom has publicly taunted the president, referencing Trump’s past associations with Epstein and criticizing the administration for refusing to release related documents. On social media and in interviews, Newsom called attention to the administration’s claims that no “client list” exists, challenging what he characterized as a lack of transparency.

President Trump, for his part, has dismissed the Epstein topic as a distraction, referring to it as a “hoax” perpetuated by Democrats and some Republicans. Trump has stated he no longer wants support from those pressing the issue, emphasizing the administration’s successes instead. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi previously said there was a “client list,” but later clarified she was referring to a case file, not a list of names.

The White House responded sharply to Newsom’s criticism, with a spokesperson stating that Newsom “is on the wrong side of history, and he will have to answer for his atrocious policies.” The administration defended its immigration enforcement and criticized Newsom’s opposition to recent federal raids targeting labor exploitation and criminal activity.

As the dispute between Newsom and Trump continues, it underscores deepening partisan divisions on issues ranging from immigration and law enforcement to government transparency. With both men at the center of high-profile political battles, the ongoing confrontation is likely to remain a focal point as national attention shifts toward the next election cycle.