California governor emerges as Democratic hero after clashing with Trump over LA immigration raids
Donald Trump has unintentionally handed Gavin Newsom a political lifeline — and perhaps a national platform.
The California governor had slipped from the national spotlight in recent months, overshadowed by Washington’s dramas and California’s own debates about Kamala Harris’ political future. But the fierce clash erupting over immigration raids and military deployments in Los Angeles has yanked Newsom back into the centre of national politics — this time as Trump’s most visible adversary.
What began as another immigration crackdown has spiralled into a high-stakes confrontation. Trump’s unilateral move to send National Guard troops and Marines into California to assist federal agents in carrying out mass immigration raids has drawn fierce resistance from Newsom. In doing so, he’s positioned himself as the Democrat most directly standing up to Trump’s widening assertion of federal power.
Gone, for now, are the criticisms that dogged Newsom from his own party — whether over compromises on transgender athlete policies or proposals to pare back healthcare access for undocumented immigrants. Instead, he’s seizing this moment to redefine himself as a defender of democracy against Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.
“We’re at an inflection point in the country’s history,” said South Carolina state representative JA Moore, who’s deeply involved in his state’s presidential primary politics. “The governor is fighting like hell — not just for LA or California — but for democracy itself.”
In a matter of days, Newsom has become a constant thorn in the Trump administration’s side. He’s lambasted Trump officials on social media and national television, accusing the president of abusing his power for political gain. The conflict grew even more personal when Tom Homan, Trump’s immigration czar, threatened Newsom with arrest. Rather than flinch, Newsom dared the administration to act, declaring, “Come and get me, tough guy.”
That line swiftly turned into a viral rallying cry. Democrats circulated it across social media. Newsom’s press office even mocked Trump by portraying him as a Star Wars villain on X. National Democrats seized on the moment, with the party’s official social media account posting a stylised image of Newsom alongside his now-iconic quote.
Even some of Newsom’s fiercest critics have paused their attacks, recognising the gravity of the moment. Democratic governors from across the country reached out to offer support, according to multiple sources with knowledge of private discussions. A coordinated statement followed, slamming Trump’s decision to deploy troops on domestic soil.
Newsom is also challenging Trump’s military deployment in the courts, filing a lawsuit to block the federal government from stationing troops in California. Meanwhile, he’s using the national attention to warn Americans that what’s happening in California could soon spread elsewhere.
“California may be first — but it clearly will not end here,” Newsom warned in a televised address Tuesday night. “Other states are next.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson escalated the rhetoric on Tuesday, suggesting Newsom should be “tarred and feathered” instead of arrested — a comment that only fuelled Democratic outrage and further amplified Newsom’s new role as the face of the opposition.
Whether Trump intended it or not, his crackdown in California has turned Newsom from a fading figure into a national protagonist — and potentially, a presidential contender.
