California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Donald Trump of being “incapable of even a train of thought” amid growing frustration with the White House’s handling of protests in Los Angeles. Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Newsom said Trump was not the same person he had dealt with four years ago, accusing him of fabricating facts and endangering lives. He also criticized Trump’s associates, calling them complicit, and urged Congress and the courts to take action.
The city of Los Angeles was tense on Sunday as thousands protested against Trump’s deployment of the National Guard. Demonstrators blocked a major freeway and set autonomous vehicles on fire, while police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs, according to the Associated Press. Authorities declared the protests unlawful after dark and made arrests of those who remained.
Protesters threw objects like concrete, rocks, scooters, and fireworks at California Highway Patrol officers, forcing them to take cover under an overpass.
These demonstrations, centered in downtown LA, marked the third straight day of unrest triggered by Trump’s immigration enforcement policies and the arrival of roughly 300 National Guard troops. The Guard was assigned to protect federal buildings, including a detention center targeted by protesters, which heightened tensions. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell admitted officers were “overwhelmed” by persistent protesters, some of whom are known troublemakers.
Dozens were arrested during the weekend’s protests.
