Gavin Newsom’s Presidential Aspirations Diminish Amid LA Riots and Social Media Backlash

Gavin Newsom’s Presidential Aspirations Diminish Amid LA Riots and Social Media Backlash

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s potential bid for the White House in 2028 is facing significant scrutiny in the wake of violent protests erupting in Los Angeles. Critics from conservative circles argue that his handling of these riots will severely impact his political future.

As Newsom nears the end of his second term as governor in 2026, speculation about his presidential ambitions has gained traction. However, ongoing unrest in Los Angeles, fueled by discontent surrounding immigration policies initiated by the Trump administration, has left him on unstable political ground. This discontent follows severe wildfires that have plagued Southern California this winter, further complicating Newsom’s standing among voters.

Critics Weigh In on Newsom’s 2028 Prospects

Conservative social media users believe that Newsom’s chances of winning the 2028 presidential race are exceedingly slim. Angela Belcamino, a notable figure on Twitter, posted an assertion suggesting that Americans across the nation view California’s turmoil as indicative of what could occur nationally under Newsom’s leadership.

Another user claimed that Newsom’s response to the LA riots could inadvertently bolster the campaign of Republican candidate J.D. Vance in 2028 by providing compelling advertising material.

Response to LA Unrest

Former Army Colonel James Hutton criticized Newsom for not condemning the rioters actively, asserting that his focus on attacking federal authorities has diminished his chances for future political success. Many observers have pointed to the imagery of the riots, especially those featuring flames and chaos alongside demonstrators wielding Mexican flags, as damaging to Newsom’s potential presidential run.

In a striking message, Club for Growth analyst Andrew Follett suggested that Newsom’s inaction against the riots stemmed from his allegiance to donors who support open borders, hinting that this may impact his fundraising efforts for 2028.

Political Fallout from Federal Actions

The riots ignited in Los Angeles on a Friday evening as federal law enforcement officials conducted immigration raids, a move that Donald Trump had promised. Newsom, alongside local leaders such as Mayor Karen Bass, publicly condemned these actions while extending support to undocumented immigrants.

The public outrage subsequently spiraled into violence, with rioters engaging in aggressive confrontations with law enforcement, attacking federal officials, and vandalizing local businesses. Videos of looting and mayhem poured in, further influencing public sentiment against Newsom.

In response to the escalating violence, Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to assist, sidestepping the governor’s authority, which incited Newsom to file a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming an attempt to