California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered a scathing address Tuesday night that took aim at President Donald Trump\u2019s federalization of the National Guard and use of Marines to quell protests in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newsom, a Democrat who is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate, blasted Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics in remarks designed for a national audience after days of clashes between protesters and law enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is about all of us. This is about you. California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next. Democracy is under assault before our eyes. This moment we have feared has arrived,” Newsom said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Authoritarian regimes begin by targeting people who are least able to defend themselves. But they do not stop there,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump has activated thousands of National Guard members, without a request from Newsom, and deployed more than 700 Marines in California since the protests began Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He has also lobbed a barrage of criticism and personal insults at Newsom, at one point suggesting he should face arrest after he dared \u201cborder czar\u201d Tom Homan to apprehend him<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI would do it if I were Tom,\u201d Trump told reporters Monday, calling Newsom \u201cgrossly incompetent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his speech Tuesday, Newsom argued that Trump has a record of supporting violence when it suits him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTrump and his loyalists, they thrive on division because it allows them to take more power and exert even more control. And by the way, Trump, he\u2019s not opposed to lawlessness and violence, as long as it serves him,\u201d Newsom said, citing the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe rule of law has increasingly been given way to the rule of Don,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Tuesday that there have been \u201cseveral consecutive days of growing unrest throughout the city,\u201d with 378 people<\/a> arrested since Saturday. A curfew in downtown Los Angeles took effect Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n