(CN) — Gavin Newsom is no stranger to sparring with President Donald Trump but he took off the gloves Tuesday evening, slamming the president in a video message for federalizing the National Guard in the wake of the Los Angeles protests.
In a video plagued with technical issues, Newsom called Trump lawless and weak, accusing him of going to war against culture, history and science.
“This is about all of us,” Newsom said during his speech. “This is about you. Other states are next. Democracy is next.”
The crux of the message focused on the federal government’s response to protests that stemmed from immigration enforcement action in Los Angeles over the weekend. Against the wishes of Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Trump federalized 2,000 guardsmen. He followed that with another 2,000 guardsmen and over 700 Marines.
Newsom said local law enforcement already had controlled the situation, with some exceptions. Calling up militarized troops only exacerbated people as Trump fanned the flames, he said, echoing his Monday lawsuit against the president.
“That’s when the downward spiral began,” Newsom added. “Protests started again.”
That’s what Trump wanted, Newsom claimed. People now face unmarked vehicles in school parking lots, and federal agents apprehending dishwashers and day laborers.
“That’s just weakness,” Newsom said. “Weakness masquerading as strength.”
Newsom’s verbal punches grew in intensity as he said Trump and his loyalists thrive on division. Trump has no issue with lawlessness and violence, Newsom declared, as long as it serves his purposes.
“What more evidence do we need than January 6?” Newsom asked, referring to the day Trump supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers gathered to certify the election of President Joe Biden.
Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of everyone convicted of offenses related to January 6.
Newsom hammered Trump for what he called delegitimizing the media, organizing a “vulgar” military parade on his birthday and calling for Newsom’s arrest, “for no other reason than — to use his words —’for getting elected,’” the governor said.
Newsom and California officials have pushed back on Trump’s use of military in Los Angeles. In his lawsuit, Newsom said the guardsmen were activated without input or consent from the governor, violating statutory and constitutional restrictions.
On Tuesday, state officials sought an emergency court order to stop the military from performing law enforcement duties in Los Angeles. A federal judge issued no order by Newsom’s requested 1 p.m. Tuesday deadline but instead set a Thursday hearing on the issue.
“If some of us can be snatched off the streets without a warrant, based only on suspicion or skin color, then none of us are safe,” Newsom said. “Authoritarian regimes begin by targeting people who are least able to defend themselves. But they do not stop there.”
Saying the rule of law has given way to the “rule of Don,” Newsom added Trump has taken a wrecking ball to the Founding Fathers’ project — three coequal branches of government.
Checks and balances have fallen to the wayside and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has abdicated his branch’s responsibility, the governor said.
While arguing for people to stand against Trump, Newsom said they must peaceably exercise their First Amendment right to speech. He decried the vandalism and assaults on police officers that have occurred, saying those responsible would be prosecuted.
Trump wants fealty and silence, Newsom said, along with the populace’s complicity.
“I know many of you are feeling deep anxiety, stress, and fear,” Newsom said. “But I want you to know that you are the antidote to that fear and anxiety.”
“Do not give in to him,” he said.
