Speaker Johnson Comments On California Protests
House Speaker Mike Johnson sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday for allegedly obstructing federal efforts to restore law and order in the Los Angeles area. The clash follows escalating unrest in the city and a rapid federal deployment aimed at stabilizing the situation.
Johnson’s remarks came during a press briefing in Washington. When asked whether Newsom should face arrest for obstructing federal operations, Johnson did not offer a legal opinion but delivered a pointed rebuke: “He ought to be tarred and feathered.” The Speaker accused Newsom of siding with violent demonstrators and hindering law enforcement.
“He is applauding the bad guys and standing in the way of the good guys,” Johnson stated. “He’s a participant, an accomplice in our federal law enforcement agents being, not just disrespected, but assaulted. This is a serious problem.”
Johnson’s comments followed statements by former acting ICE director Tom Homan, who suggested legal consequences could be appropriate for state officials obstructing federal operations. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, backed by Newsom, filed a lawsuit Monday against the Trump administration, claiming the deployment of federal forces in California without the governor’s authorization was unconstitutional.
Newsom responded on social media, referencing Johnson’s historical metaphor. “Good to know we’re skipping the arrest and going straight for the 1700’s style forms of punishment,” Newsom wrote. “A fitting threat given the @GOP want to bring our country back to the 18th Century.”
The legal standoff sparks during a period of heightened tensions in Los Angeles. Over the weekend, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to assist federal immigration operations.
On Monday, that force was reinforced with an additional 2,000 California National Guardsmen and several hundred Marines from Camp Pendleton. The deployments were in response to widespread riots involving arson, traffic blockades, property defacement, and attacks on law enforcement officers.
Johnson defended the federal action. “We’re not going to allow L.A. to burn,” he said. “We’ve seen this movie before. If local and state officials are unwilling or unable to do their job, the president of the United States will do his, and we support that fully.”
He concluded with a direct message to Newsom: “Do your job, man. Stop working on your rebranding and be a governor. Stand up for the rule of law.”