'Come arrest me': Gavin Newsom dares Donald Trump amid LA protests; calls President's crackdown 'un-American'

Tensions between US President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom reached a dramatic peak on Monday, as Trump backed calls for Newsom’s arrest amid intensifying protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids.


The public feud erupted after Trump endorsed a threat made by ICE Director Tom Homan to arrest the California governor. "He knows where to find me," Newsom fired back defiantly. “Come and arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy. I don’t give a damn.”


Trump, responding to a question about the legal basis for such an arrest, offered little specificity but said, “His primary crime is running for governor—he’s done such a bad job. What he’s done to that state is like what Biden’s done to this country.”


He also praised Homan’s remarks, saying, “I think it’s great,” and accused Newsom of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.

The confrontation follows a weekend of unrest in Los Angeles, where violent protests erupted after ICE raids resulted in the detention of 44 individuals, including minors.

Trump, bypassing the governor’s authority, deployed thousands of National Guard troops and sent 700 active-duty US Marines into the city. Clashes between protesters and federal agents ensued, with vehicles set ablaze and projectiles hurled at law enforcement.

Newsom slammed Trump’s actions as “un-American” and a threat to civilian safety. “This reflects the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president,” he said, arguing that Trump’s unilateral military deployment violated the state’s rights and escalated tensions unnecessarily.

Reacting to Trump’s support for his arrest, Newsom warned of a dangerous precedent. “This is a day I hoped I’d never see in America,” he posted on Instagram. “The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting governor. This is a line we cannot cross.”

On X, Newsom called the move “authoritarian,” adding, “These are the acts of a dictator, not a President.”


In an interview with The Washington Post, he continued: “That’s an American president in 2025 threatening a political opponent. This is what happens in authoritarian regimes.”

White House officials later confirmed Trump’s intent was serious. “No one is above the law,” one official said. “If Governor Newsom is obstructing federal enforcement, he may face consequences.”

Despite the rising tensions, Newsom emphasised his continued commitment to protecting Californians. “I’m capable of working with people, even those who call for my arrest,” he said. “But I won’t stay silent when the lives of children and families are endangered by political theater.”