The US president has characterized demonstrators as “paid insurrectionists,” faulting local leadership for escalating violence.
President Donald Trump is demanding apologies from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for what he considers a “horrible” failure to control the recent violent disturbances in Los Angeles. Trump alleges the demonstrators are “paid insurrectionists” and holds the local authorities accountable for the increased intensity of the weekend’s confrontations.
Trump stated on Truth Social Monday that “Governor Gavin Newscum and ‘Mayor’ Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots. These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists. Remember, NO MASKS!”
Separately, he posted: “Paid Insurrectionists!”
The violence began in Paramount on Saturday, as protesters met Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside a Home Depot. As tensions rose, officers used tear gas and less-lethal ammunition to disperse the crowd.
The White House has confirmed Trump’s order to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County, citing several days of protests and attacks on federal staff. Approximately 300 Guard members are currently active, with 500 Marines on standby.
On Sunday, large groups congregated on the 101 Freeway. The California Highway Patrol intervened to clear the southbound lanes between the 110 and 5/10 interchanges. Videos showed protesters waving Mexican flags and chanting “Viva la Raza” while traffic was stopped.
Online footage depicted individuals throwing explosives at police on horseback and burning American flags in downtown Los Angeles streets.
According to the LAPD Central Division, officers were hit with concrete and bottles, which led to a dispersal order around Alameda and Temple Streets.
The FBI announced it is looking for a man suspected of assaulting a federal officer and damaging government property during the disturbances. A reward of up to $50,000 is offered for information that leads to his arrest and conviction.
Newsom has called the federal deployment “illegal,” stating that the state was not properly consulted. He accused Trump of misrepresenting the timeline of the military presence and announced intentions to file a lawsuit.
The governor also appealed to demonstrators for calm, writing on X: “Don’t give Trump what he wants.”
White House immigration advisor Tom Homan defended the federal response, affirming that immigration enforcement would continue “every day” in Los Angeles. He cautioned that local officials interfering with federal operations could be arrested. Homan also criticized California’s sanctuary policies, calling Newsom “an embarrassment for the state.”