Los Angeles, CA – August 17, 2025 – In a fiery late-night social media outburst, California Governor Gavin Newsom lambasted the U.S. Marines and National Guard, accusing them of “bringing war to the American people” during their June deployment to restore order in Los Angeles amid chaotic immigration-related protests. The Democrat governor’s remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter) just after midnight on Sunday, appear aimed squarely at President Donald Trump, who is actively campaigning for the Nobel Peace Prize by highlighting his role in resolving international conflicts.
Newsom’s post, which quickly garnered tens of thousands of likes and reposts, read: “Donald Trump is trying to get a Nobel Peace Prize? He sent the United States Marines into the United States of America. He’s bringing war to the American people.” Accompanied by a video clip emphasizing his point, the statement revives tensions from the summer’s unrest in Los Angeles, where federal forces were deployed to quell riots sparked by aggressive ICE raids on undocumented immigrants. Critics argue that Newsom’s rhetoric not only disrespects the service members who risked their lives to maintain law and order but also exposes his anti-American stance, prioritizing political attacks over public safety.
The controversy stems from June 2025, when President Trump authorized the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. The move came after days of violent protests, including firebombings of federal facilities and clashes with law enforcement, which local authorities under Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom failed to contain effectively. Trump justified the action under Title 10 authority, citing the need to protect federal operations and enforce immigration laws amid what he described as an “insurrection” fueled by radical left-wing agitators.
Newsom, however, immediately decried the deployment as an “unlawful militarization” and a “brazen abuse of power.” He filed a lawsuit alongside California Attorney General Rob Bonta, seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the federal takeover of state National Guard units. A federal judge partially sided with Newsom on June 12, ruling the action unconstitutional and ordering the return of control to California, though some troops remained to secure detention centers. By late July, most forces had demobilized, with Newsom demanding the release of the remaining 250 Guardsmen.
Supporters of the president view Newsom’s latest attack as a desperate ploy to sabotage Trump’s growing momentum for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump has been nominated by leaders from countries including Pakistan, Cambodia, and Israel for his diplomatic efforts in brokering ceasefires in hotspots like Israel-Iran, Armenia-Azerbaijan, and India-Pakistan. U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter even submitted a nomination praising Trump’s prevention of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The president’s aides have highlighted his “peace through strength” approach, contrasting it with the Biden-era chaos that allegedly emboldened global adversaries.
“Trump is out there ending wars and saving lives worldwide, while Newsom can’t even keep the peace in his own backyard,” said a White House spokesperson in response to the governor’s post. Indeed, Trump’s pursuit of the Nobel has intensified ahead of a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he aims to negotiate a truce in Ukraine. Even former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton quipped she’d nominate Trump if he ends the conflict without ceding territory to Russia.
Newsom’s critics point to his own record as evidence of hypocrisy. Under his governance, California has grappled with rampant crime, wildfires, and water shortages, with recent blazes in Malibu and infrastructure failures in Granada Hills drawing sharp rebukes. Detractors accuse him of soft-on-crime policies that emptied prisons and prioritized benefits for undocumented immigrants over citizen safety. “Newsom let LA burn while federal forces stepped in to save it,” tweeted one conservative commentator, echoing sentiments that the governor’s opposition to the deployment was more about resisting Trump than protecting Californians.
The governor’s office doubled down on Sunday morning, reiterating that the LA deployment was “needless political theater” costing taxpayers millions. Newsom has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to uncover the full expenses, framing it as an example of Trump’s misuse of military power on American soil. Yet, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the action, stating Newsom’s “inability or unwillingness” to act necessitated federal intervention.
This clash underscores the deep partisan divide in American politics, with Newsom positioning himself as a bulwark against what he calls Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. Meanwhile, Trump’s Nobel campaign gains traction, with odds improving as he claims credit for global de-escalations. As one observer noted, Trump’s desire for the prize “looms large,” potentially influencing his foreign policy decisions.
Political analysts suggest Newsom’s attack could backfire, alienating moderate voters who appreciate the restoration of order in LA and Trump’s international peacemaking. With wildfires raging and public services straining in California, the governor’s focus on national feuds may further erode his standing at home.
As the 2025 Nobel nominations deadline has passed, the committee’s decision looms in October. For now, Newsom’s salvo adds fuel to the fire, portraying Trump’s domestic actions as antithetical to peace—even as the president touts his global achievements.
Donald Trump is trying to get a Nobel Peace Prize?
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 17, 2025
He sent the United States Marines into the United States of America.
He's bringing war to the American people. pic.twitter.com/J9Espndb6H
