Good luck with that…
California’s Gavin Newsom is stepping into the spotlight — and Democrats are betting he can take on President Trump in 2028.
As violent protests explode across Los Angeles in response to President Trump’s bold immigration crackdown, California Governor Gavin Newsom is being celebrated by Democrats as their new attack dog. But critics say he’s not leading — he’s inflaming tensions for political gain.
This week, chaos erupted when federal immigration officers raided sanctuary neighborhoods across Los Angeles. Rioters filled the streets, cars burned, and lawlessness spread like wildfire. President Trump took swift action — sending in the National Guard to restore order. But Newsom? He condemned the decision and accused Trump of provoking the violence — even though his own state was out of control.
Adding fuel to the fire, Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was handcuffed by law enforcement after disrupting a Department of Homeland Security press briefing. Instead of denouncing Padilla’s behavior, Newsom and his allies turned the moment into a political weapon — using it to attack the Trump administration.
Now, Democrat strategists are rallying around Newsom, portraying him as the “credible voice” of opposition to what they call “Trump’s America.” Political consultant Jamal Simmons even claimed Newsom is giving voice to Americans’ “anxiety” about Trump’s policies — a narrative that plays well on CNN, but rings hollow to many working Americans who value law, order, and secure borders.
President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard came after ICE agents were met with violent resistance during lawful operations. But Newsom and his supporters blamed Trump — not the rioters. Democrats argued Trump escalated the conflict, while conveniently ignoring the fact that their cities are spiraling into chaos under weak leadership.
Still, Newsom is leaning into the confrontation. He’s been firing off insults on social media, quoting pop stars like Taylor Swift on TikTok, and slamming Trump on X (formerly Twitter) to earn points with younger, progressive voters. But the question remains: Is this about leadership — or just political theater?
Even some Democrats aren’t convinced. Earlier this year, Newsom came under fire for appearing on podcasts hosted by Trump allies like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Many in his own party questioned whether he was drifting toward the center. But now, facing pressure from the far-left, Newsom is doubling down on his anti-Trump message.
He’s even making speeches warning that America is slipping into authoritarianism — claiming people are being “snatched off the streets” and that California is the “first stop” on a path to dictatorship. For many older Americans who value the Constitution and rule of law, such rhetoric sounds more like fearmongering than reality.
Newsom’s fiery tone has energized some Democrats. He recently challenged Trump’s immigration czar, Tom Homan, daring him to “come arrest me” — a moment that liberal strategists say sparked “fist bumps and high-fives” across the party. But for millions of Americans, especially those over 50, it felt reckless and disrespectful of law enforcement.
Political insiders say Newsom is clearly laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential run. “Courage and confidence will define the race,” said Simmons, “and Newsom is showing both.” But even his allies admit the biggest question is which version of Newsom will show up — the centrist who mingled with conservatives, or the aggressive culture warrior desperate to rally the left.
One thing is clear: Democrats are trying to turn Gavin Newsom into their Trump-slayer. But with violent protests, immigration chaos, and economic concerns rising, many Americans are looking for solutions — not stunts.