All Democratic governors signed a joint letter opposing President Donald Trump’s response to the Los Angeles riots, writing that they “stand” with Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA).
Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles as the city was hit with violent protests against raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a statement posted to X, the Democratic Governors Association stated that the rest of its 22 governors support Newsom, who has accused Trump of seeking to “militarize California.”
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“President Trump’s move to deploy California’s National Guard is an alarming abuse of power,” the letter said. “Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guard and the federal government activating them in their own borders without consulting or working with a state’s governor is ineffective and dangerous.”
Every single Democratic Governor agrees:
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 8, 2025
Donald Trump’s attempts to militarize California are an alarming abuse of power. pic.twitter.com/gmHuZpxWdc
The letter also said Newsom has “made it clear” that violence is “unacceptable” in response to the riots, and that local law enforcement should be allowed to fulfill its duties without “federal interference and intimidation.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) also shared the letter on her X account, calling Trump’s response “an alarming abuse of power.”
President Trump’s move to deploy California’s National Guard is an alarming abuse of power. I’m proud to stand with my fellow Democratic governors to call it out.
— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) June 8, 2025
Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/xNKqc7QwRt
TRUMP SAYS NATIONAL GUARD WILL BE ‘EVERYWHERE’ IN LA AMID ICE PROTESTS
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that the city is on tactical alert. Media outlets have been advised to “keep a safe distance from active operations.”
Trump said on Sunday that Los Angeles has been “invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals,” but that the city’s riots will strengthen the Trump administration’s “resolve.” The president has directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to “liberate” Los Angeles.