• Speaker Mike Johnson endorses Trump's criticism of Governor Newsom.
• Johnson suggests Newsom should be "tarred and feathered" for his actions.
• Trump's deployment of National Guard in L.A. sparks nationwide debate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed strong support for President Donald Trump's decision to deploy National Guard and Marine troops to Los Angeles amid ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Johnson stated that Trump is "absolutely right" and has the authority to take such actions to "maintain order," including deploying 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the city. He emphasized, "Trump has put his hand on the table and said 'Not on my watch,'" and criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for his inadequate response, suggesting Newsom should be "tarred and feathered" rather than discussing legal consequences of his actions, according to ABC News, The Hill, and HuffPost.

Johnson's comments came as Newsom, who has publicly opposed the federal action and labeled it a "blatant abuse of power," announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration. This lawsuit alleges that Trump's deployment of National Guard troops without state consent is unconstitutional. Johnson dismissed the legal push as a "joke" and reiterated that Newsom is obstructing law enforcement efforts and supportive of those committing violence against federal agents. "He's a participant, an accomplice," Johnson remarked, calling on Newsom to "stop working on your rebranding and be a governor," according to The Hill and HuffPost.

While addressing fellow House Republicans, Johnson presented footage of the unrest in Los Angeles as justification for Trump's actions. He criticized Democratic leadership, particularly Newsom, for failing to maintain law and order amid rampant protests, stating, "He's standing in the way of the administration and the carrying out of federal law." Johnson's remarks align with a broader Republican support for the administration's stance against local democratic leaders regarding their responses to the protests, according to ABC News and The Hill.

The political rhetoric surrounding these events has been fervent. Newsom shot back at Trump's threats, labeling them an "unmistakable step toward authoritarianism." He cited this as a troubling development in American politics, emphasizing the potential for such rhetoric to incite violence. The clash of opinions illustrates the escalating tensions between state and federal officials, with Newsom vowing to hold Trump accountable through legal means. This ongoing conflict highlights significant divisions within American political discourse surrounding immigration enforcement and state rights, according to The Hill and HuffPost.