Gavin Newsom addresses Trump administration’s threats to arrest him

California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently revealed that he has developed a plan in case the Trump administration decides to arrest him after a heated confrontation over the handling of immigration protests in Los Angeles. In an interview with the “Pod Save America” podcast, Newsom disclosed that he and his team have contemplated the implications of a potential federal warrant for his arrest.

“It’s surreal to even think about,” Newsom remarked when asked about the preparations for his potential arrest. “The fact that we are having this conversation in the United States in 2025 speaks volumes about the current occupant of the White House.”

Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, had initially suggested that Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face arrest if they impede federal efforts to deport illegal immigrants. In response, Newsom defiantly challenged Homan to take him into custody, stating, “He’s a tough guy. Why doesn’t he do that? He knows where to find me. That kind of bravado is tiresome. So, Tom, arrest me. Let’s do this.”

President Trump himself weighed in on the situation, stating that Newsom’s primary offense was “running for governor because he’s done such a bad job.” Trump added that he would arrest Newsom if he were in Homan’s position.

Newsom expressed disappointment at Trump’s remarks and warned that the threats of arrest were indicative of a slide towards authoritarianism. He described the President’s call for his arrest as a troubling development that crossed a dangerous line.

Meanwhile, Homan appeared to backtrack on his original statement, clarifying that an arrest would only occur if Newsom and Bass committed a crime. He emphasized that if anyone, regardless of their position, violated the law, they would face prosecution.

The escalating tension between Newsom and Trump has been fueled by their disagreements on various issues, including the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles in January. The deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to California in response to ICE protests has further strained their relationship, with Newsom accusing Trump of violating California’s state sovereignty.

Despite Trump’s assertion that the National Guard troops were necessary for maintaining order in Los Angeles, Newsom criticized the deployment, stating that most of the troops were idle in federal buildings without clear orders. He characterized the move as an ego-stroking exercise by the President, rather than a genuine effort to ensure public safety.

The ongoing conflict between Newsom and Trump underscores the deep political divisions in the country and the challenges of governance in such a polarized environment. As the situation continues to unfold, the implications for federal-state relations and the rule of law remain uncertain.