LA riots damage Newsom’s 2028 presidential chances, conservatives predict
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s hopes for a potential White House run in 2028 have been dashed by his handling of the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, according to conservative critics. Newsom, who has been rumored as a likely Democratic contender for the presidency as he nears the end of his second term as governor in 2026, is facing backlash over the chaos engulfing the city in response to the Trump administration’s efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Los Angeles.
Conservative social media users have been quick to criticize Newsom’s response to the riots, with many predicting that his handling of the situation will cost him any chance of winning the 2028 presidential race. Some have pointed to Newsom’s lack of condemnation for the rioters and his focus on criticizing American authorities as evidence of his unsuitability for the presidency.
Photos and videos of the riots, showing rioters waving Mexican flags and setting fires, have been widely circulated on social media, with many users suggesting that the images will tarnish Newsom’s reputation and damage his political aspirations. Critics have accused Newsom of bowing to open borders donors and prioritizing his own presidential ambitions over the safety and well-being of Californians.
The riots in Los Angeles erupted after federal law enforcement officials conducted immigration raids in the city as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Newsom and other local leaders quickly denounced the raids and expressed support for illegal immigrants in the state, leading to protests that turned violent. President Trump responded by deploying National Guard members to help quell the violence, prompting Newsom to file a lawsuit against the administration.
Newsom’s ongoing feud with Trump, which dates back to the early days of the Trump administration, has also played a role in his presidential prospects. The two politicians have clashed over a range of issues, including wildfires, forest management, and climate change. Trump has repeatedly criticized Newsom’s handling of wildfires in California and threatened to cut off federal funds to the state if changes were not made.
Overall, Newsom’s response to the LA riots and his contentious relationship with Trump have damaged his chances of a successful presidential run in 2028, according to conservative critics. As images of the chaos continue to circulate on social media, it appears increasingly unlikely that Newsom will be able to overcome the challenges posed by the current situation in Los Angeles.
