Trump deploys troops to halt LA riots, accusing Newsom and Bass of failing to act against unrest.

White House Blames State Leaders, Praises Federal Action

President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guardsmen and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to escalating riots and civil unrest. The White House described the situation as a breakdown of local authority and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for failing to maintain order.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the violence, labeling the scenes in Los Angeles as “shameful” and blaming local officials for allowing what she called “mob rule” to flourish. “They didn't have the courage to do the right thing and protect law-abiding Californians from rioters,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt emphasized that President Trump acted decisively where local leadership did not. “That’s why President Trump deployed the National Guard and mobilized Marines to end the chaos and restore law and order,” she stated, adding that “the mob violence is being stomped out.”

According to Leavitt, operations to arrest those responsible for the riots are ongoing, along with continued efforts to detain individuals residing in the country illegally. She noted that the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions are moving forward without obstruction.

In response to questions about the legal basis for the troop deployment, Leavitt clarified that Trump had federalized California’s National Guard under Title 10 of the United States Code. When asked whether the military could carry out arrests without invoking the Insurrection Act, Leavitt reiterated the administration’s legal authority under existing federal law.

Trump Criticizes Newsom, Questions ICE Obstruction

President Trump has also voiced strong criticism of Governor Newsom, particularly over reports that state officials may hinder federal immigration enforcement during the unrest. In remarks made earlier this week, Trump responded to speculation about potential arrests of state leaders obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

“He's daring Tom Homan to come and arrest him. Should he do it?” a reporter asked. Trump replied, “I would do it if I were Tom… He's done a terrible job. I like Gavin Newsom. He's a nice guy, but he's grossly incompetent.”

Trump further claimed that many individuals involved in the violence are not genuine protesters, but rather trained disruptors. “The people that are causing the problem are professional agitators. They're insurrectionists. They're bad people. They should be in jail,” he said.

Governor Newsom quickly issued a public statement pushing back against Trump’s remarks, though he did not elaborate on the state’s next legal or political steps.

With federal forces now active in Los Angeles, the administration has signaled its intent to continue high-profile immigration enforcement and anti-riot measures, while increasing pressure on state and city leaders who oppose federal intervention.