Trump threatens to arrest California governor over Guard deployment

United States President Donald Trump, on Monday, June 9, 2025, threatened to arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom.

This is in a dramatic escalation of a growing conflict with the Democratic governor over immigration protests that roiled Los Angeles over the weekend.

Trump’s remarks came after Newsom vowed to sue the federal government over the deployment of National Guard troops to Southern California, calling it an illegal act.

The Republican president said he supported the arrest of Newsom amid the pro-immigration protests.

Trump’s new travel ban comes into effect as citizens of 12 countries barred from U.S.

On Saturday, Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar, threatened to arrest anyone who obstructs immigration enforcement efforts in the state, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Asked on Monday about Newsom daring Homan to arrest him, the president told Reuters: “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity but I think it would be a great thing.”

Responding, Newsom urged Homan to “just get it over with” and move ahead with the arrest.

“Tom, arrest me, let’s go,” the governor said.

The Star