Governor Gavin Newsom slams Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over attending the Congressional baseball game, alleging neglect amidst the chaos in California.
At a Glance
- Governor Newsom criticizes Defense Secretary Hegseth for attending a social event amid state unrest.
- Newsom argues that deployed troops are lacking basic necessities like fuel and food.
- President Trump authorized military intervention in response to protests over immigration enforcement.
- A contentious debate ensues over federal versus state responsibilities in maintaining order.
Governor Newsom’s Critique
Governor Gavin Newsom has openly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his decision to attend the annual Congressional baseball game while California faces substantial civil unrest. Newsom contends that the troops stationed in the state lack essential resources, such as fuel, food, and shelter. This comes amid protests triggered by immigration enforcement issues, resulting in hundreds of arrests and escalating tensions with law enforcement.
“Pete sent 4,700 troops here (when they weren’t needed) without adequate fuel, food, water or a place to sleep. But don’t worry, he’s at a baseball game.” Governor Gavin Newsom.
Adding fuel to the fire, the @DODRapidResponse account countered Newsom’s claims by releasing images of violent scenes in Los Angeles, suggesting the necessity of the National Guard and active-duty Marines. This direct rebuttal aimed to discredit Newsom’s narrative about troop deployment potentially being unnecessary.
Escalation and Military Intervention
President Donald Trump has authorized military intervention by deploying both National Guard and Marines to assist local law enforcement in Los Angeles. He blames Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for inadequate protection against the chaos instigated by protests. The protests were initially incited by responses to immigration raids and have since spread nationwide, drawing significant media attention.
Newsom has sought a temporary restraining order to limit military activities specifically to protecting federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles. This measure aligns with concerns over the appropriateness of militarizing public spaces and the competency of state officials in handling public security effectively. Newsom’s call for restrained deployment puts him at odds with President Trump’s decisive approach.
National vs. Local Responsibility
The debate heats up over national versus local responsibility for public security. Defense Secretary Hegseth withheld confirmation on respecting court rulings that limit National Guard and Marine deployments amid widespread protests. His stance underscores a broader federalist tension regarding who should decisively respond during crises—Washington or the state leadership?
“We should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
As the situation evolves, former military leaders have voiced opposition to Trump’s deployment strategy, fearing national security risks and potential politicization of the military. Their amicus brief criticizes the military’s expanded role in domestic affairs, echoing the calls of many Democratic governors who are focusing on more limited enforcement measures regarding immigration.
