California Governor Warns Democracy Under Assault After Federal Troop Deployment in Los Angeles

California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard and Marine troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against immigration raids, describing it as a brazen abuse of power and an assault on American democracy. Newsom warned that California may be the first state targeted in what he characterized as a broader effort by Trump to undermine democratic norms, concentrate power in the White House, and attack institutions such as the judiciary, free press, and cultural foundations. The governor accused Trump of escalating tensions through military intervention without state consent, inflaming protests and threatening civil liberties, including the use of unmarked cars to detain citizens without warrants. Newsom urged peaceful protest and resistance against what he called an authoritarian campaign undermining the rule of law and American traditions. The situation has led to heightened unrest in Los Angeles, including curfews and mass arrests, while the governor has sought legal action to halt the federal military presence. This confrontation highlights deepening divisions between Trump's administration and California's leadership, with Newsom emerging as a vocal critic and potential future presidential contender.