By Julia, BBC News

10 August 2025

When Donald Trump’s plane touched down in Los Angeles in January, days after his second inauguration, the scars of California’s wildfires lay raw across the city. Waiting on the tarmac was Governor Gavin Newsom, a longtime foe, extending an unexpected olive branch. The cordial moment hinted at a fragile truce, as a fire-ravaged state sought federal aid under a president known for vengeance. But that detente has since shattered, replaced by a fierce standoff that’s gripped the nation.

Last week, Trump deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, overriding Newsom’s objections, to quell protests sparked by sweeping immigration raids. Newsom called it “madness,” accusing Trump of steering America toward authoritarianism. Trump fired back, branding Newsom “Newscum” and suggesting his arrest, while claiming the city would “burn” without his intervention—a charge Newsom and local officials reject.

In a state-of-the-union-style address, Newsom warned that Trump was wielding a “wrecking ball” against democracy. “This isn’t just about LA,” he said. “California may be first, but it won’t end here. Democracy is next.” His words struck a chord with Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans desperate for leaders to counter what they see as an assault on democratic norms.

Newsom has gone on the offensive, suing to block the Guard’s deployment and winning a temporary court victory, only for it to be paused by an appeals court. He’s flooded social media with memes, taunts, and fact-checks, while granting interviews to podcasters, YouTubers, and major outlets. “He’s not a king,” Newsom declared, condemning Trump’s tactics.

The White House remains unyielding. Trump, reveling in the clash, insists his actions reflect a mandate for tough immigration policies. Images of protests—some with Mexican flags—fuel his narrative of chaos in Democratic strongholds. Yet, a YouGov poll shows 45% of Americans disapprove of the protests, while 47% oppose Trump’s Marine deployment.

Newsom’s defiance has galvanized Democrats. Twenty-two governors, including potential 2028 contenders like JB Pritzker and Josh Shapiro, backed California, calling Trump’s moves “dangerous.” Even critics like Ezra Levin of Indivisible praise Newsom’s shift from caution to confrontation. “He’s meeting the moment,” Levin said.

But the fight comes at a cost. Trump’s threats to cut federal funding, including for California’s high-speed rail, loom large as the state grapples with a budget deficit. Newsom’s suggestion of withholding federal taxes—later softened—underscores the stakes. “He’s become the tip of the spear,” said Mike Madrid, a former California Republican strategist. “The more he fights, the more he’s rewarded.”

As protests simmer and Trump retains control of the Guard, the clash tests Newsom’s mettle and California’s resilience. For a governor forged in crises—from wildfires to pandemics—this is a defining moment. Will his defiance reshape the Democratic fight, or deepen the state’s wounds? America is watching.

David Smith in Washington and Rachel Leingang contributed reporting.