By Julia, BBC News, 30 August 2025

In a fiery showdown that’s tearing through America’s political fabric, California Governor Gavin Newsom has thrown down the gauntlet against President Donald Trump, accusing him of steering the nation into authoritarian chaos.

The clash erupted when Trump, ignoring Newsom’s protests, deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to crush immigration raid protests—a move Newsom branded “madness” and a direct assault on democracy.

“This isn’t just about LA,” Newsom warned in a blistering address. “Trump’s wrecking ball is coming for us all.” His words have electrified Democrats and sparked a firestorm of debate: Is Newsom a hero rallying a resistance, or a reckless agitator risking California’s future?

The battle began after Trump’s January visit to a fire-scarred Los Angeles, where Newsom briefly extended an olive branch for federal aid. That truce collapsed as Trump’s aggressive immigration sweeps ignited protests, prompting his unprecedented federalization of the California National Guard.

Newsom’s response was swift: a lawsuit that briefly halted the deployment, only for an appeals court to pause the ruling. On X, Newsom’s relentless taunts and memes targeting Trump—“He’s not a king!”—have rallied supporters but drawn ire from conservatives. “Newsom’s playing with fire,” one user posted. “He’s defying a president with a mandate.”

Trump, unyielding, has doubled down, calling Newsom “Newscum” and threatening to arrest him while warning of federal funding cuts, including to California’s high-speed rail. Newsom’s bold hint at withholding federal taxes—later backtracked—has only heightened the stakes. “He’s the tip of the spear,” said strategist Mike Madrid, noting Newsom’s rising star among Democrats.

Yet, with California’s budget deficit looming, critics argue his defiance could cripple the state. A YouGov poll reveals a divided nation: 47% oppose Trump’s Marine deployment, but 45% disapprove of the protests, some waving Mexican flags, fueling Trump’s narrative of chaos.

Backed by 22 Democratic governors, including 2028 hopefuls like JB Pritzker, Newsom’s stand has galvanized the party. “He’s meeting the moment,” said Ezra Levin of Indivisible. But as protests simmer and Trump retains Guard control, the clash tests Newsom’s resolve. Is he forging a new Democratic fight against authoritarianism, or pushing California toward economic and political peril? With America watching, this showdown could redefine the nation’s future—or deepen its divides.