Trump Claims Conversation with Newsom Amid Los Angeles Unrest

President Donald Trump recently responded to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s assertion that the president did not contact him, asserting that they spoke for approximately 16 minutes during a call on Saturday. This claim emerged in the backdrop of escalating violence linked to recent protests in Los Angeles.

While traveling to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Trump revealed to Fox News on Tuesday that he initially called Newsom over the weekend but did not get through. However, he stated that the governor answered his second attempt, leading to a substantial conversation.

During this exchange, Trump communicated his frustration, urging Newsom to take action against the rioting crowd. Trump stated, “I told him to, essentially, ‘get his ass in gear,’ and stop the riots, which were out of control.” He emphasized the importance of his message, accusing Newsom of deceit for suggesting he had never made the call.

In an effort to support his claim, Trump shared a screenshot of the phone call, dated June 7 at 1:23 a.m.

Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, echoed Trump’s sentiments in an afternoon comment to Fox Digital. Cheung stated, “The President called Gavin Newsom to tell him to get his ass in gear. The Governor has clearly decided to disgustingly side with the violent rioters instead of protecting Californians.” Cheung condemned Newsom’s focus on media engagements instead of addressing the chaos on the streets.

Earlier on the same day, Trump held a media event from the Oval Office, discussing wildfire prevention among other issues. During this event, he addressed the ongoing riots in Los Angeles, reiterating that he had spoken with Newsom just a day prior.

“A day ago. I called him up to tell him (he’s) got to do a better job. He’s done a bad job,” Trump told reporters, further emphasizing his discontent with the governor’s response to the unrest.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Newsom refuted Trump’s account by saying he did not receive a call or voicemail from the president in the past day. He wrote, “There was no call. Not even a voicemail. Americans should be alarmed that a President deploying Marines onto our streets doesn’t even know who he’s talking to,” accompanied by a video of Trump in the Oval Office.

Adding to the controversy, Newsom’s spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, claimed to a local news outlet that she personally verified the governor’s phone records, confirming no missed calls or voicemails. According to Gardon, the last communication between the two leaders occurred when Newsom called Trump on Friday.

The backdrop of this political spat involves a severe civil disruption in Los Angeles that erupted into violence on Friday. This unrest coincided with federal immigration officials conducting raids targeting undocumented immigrants.

Local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom, swiftly condemned these actions in public statements. They expressed concerns and offered support for those affected by the raids. However, the subsequent protests intensified and turned violent, with rioters clashing with federal authorities.

In response to the escalating chaos, Trump announced plans to deploy 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles. On Monday evening, his administration sent hundreds of U.S. Marines to the area in an effort to restore order.

Trump expressed his belief in the necessity of these actions, stating, “If I didn’t ‘SEND IN THE TROOPS’ to Los Angeles the last three nights, that once beautiful and great City would be burning to the ground right now.” This sentiment was conveyed via his Truth Social platform, reflecting his ongoing concerns about the situation.

Political Ramifications of the Los Angeles Unrest

The exchange between Trump and Newsom highlights growing tensions between federal and state leaders regarding how best to respond to civil unrest. The contrasting narratives showcase differing approaches to governance and address public safety.

As the situation develops, both leaders face scrutiny from their respective constituents and the media. Trump’s administration emphasizes a strong response to lawlessness, while Newsom’s camp focuses on the implications of federal intervention in local matters.

Community Reactions to the Riots

Community reactions to the riots have varied widely. Some local residents expressed support for the protests, advocating for the rights of undocumented immigrants. Others voiced concerns over public safety and the impact of violence on their neighborhoods.

The discussions surrounding these issues continue to evolve, reflecting the complexity of immigration policy and law enforcement in a divided political landscape.

With both leaders maintaining their positions, the coming days will likely shed light on how they plan to navigate these challenges and address the concerns of their constituents amid ongoing unrest.