Newsom fashions himself as leader of the Trump resistance

Stand up': Newsom rallies the Trump resistance with new video
Source: USA TODAY, CBS
California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Donald Trump of "taking a wrecking ball" to democracy and urged Americans to "stand up" against him in a new video released on June 10. In the video, Newsom positions himself as the leader of a nationwide resistance to the president.

"This is about all of us; this is about you," Newsom said. "California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states will follow. Democracy is at risk. We are witnessing an assault on democracy before our very eyes. This moment we have feared has arrived."

Newsom, who is widely seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has had clashes with Trump over the president's decision to deploy California National Guard troops and U.S. Marines onto the streets of Los Angeles following violent protests against immigration enforcement efforts. 

Trump federalized the National Guard despite Newsom's objections, leading California to file a lawsuit.

Trump argued that the intervention was necessary to maintain order, stating, "If we didn't get involved, right now Los Angeles would be burning," during a remark on June 10 in the Oval Office. 

In response, Newsom indicated that the protests were "winding down" and contended that the president's actions caused a resurgence in tension. He described it as “a brazen abuse of power by a sitting president that escalated a volatile situation, putting our people, our officers, and even our National Guard at risk," as stated in a video.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks as he announces the Golden State Literacy Plan and deployment of literacy coaches statewide, at the Clinton Elementary School in Compton, California, U.S. June 5, 2025.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung criticized Newsom's video, stating on X that the governor "must've hired Kamala and Biden's failed campaign team." 

Trump and Newsom have a long and often contentious relationship, but there have been moments of friendliness as well. Currently, their dynamic is evolving into a more public confrontation.

California Highway Patrol officers detain protesters on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. Tensions remain high after Donald Trump called in the National Guard against the wishes of Gov. Gavin Newsom following two days of clashes with police during immigration raids.

Newsom is framing the battle in clear, stark terms, calling on people to join him during a time when many Democrats are seeking a leader to challenge Trump. Trump's aggressive policies during his second term are testing the boundaries of presidential power. 

"What Donald Trump desires most is your loyalty and silence, to have you complicit in this moment," Newsom stated in the video. "Do not give in to him."