In partnership with
California Governor Gavin Newsom is intensifying his legal and political battle with President Donald Trump after the Trump Administration threatened to redeploy federalized National Guard troops in Los Angeles ahead of California’s statewide special election.
In a sharp rebuke delivered both in court filings and on social media, Newsom vowed that California “won’t be scared into submission by the small men in the White House,” framing Trump’s renewed push for military presence in L.A. as unconstitutional, unnecessary, and politically motivated.
Newsom Files New Lawsuit to Block Trump’s Military Orders
The Governor announced that California is seeking a preliminary injunction to halt what he called the “continued federalization of the National Guard through Election Day.” This comes after a federal judge recently ruled that Trump’s earlier deployment of troops to Los Angeles during immigration-related protests violated federal law.
“There was never a need—and there is certainly no need now—for troops to be deployed against their own communities,” Newsom said at a press briefing. “Trump can’t justify keeping the military in Los Angeles. We won’t back down.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed the Governor’s stance, calling Trump’s latest order—federalizing 300 remaining California National Guard troops—an “unprecedented abuse of executive power.” According to Bonta, if the order stands, “California’s residents will remain under a form of military occupation until November 5.”
The timing is particularly contentious, as the troops would remain in place during California’s November 4 special election, raising fears of voter intimidation and unlawful interference.
Trump’s Oval Office Warning Fuels Showdown
The new lawsuit was triggered by Trump’s Oval Office remarks on August 5, where he suggested Los Angeles may again require a military presence.
“He [Newsom] didn’t want us there, and he’s going to need us again, because it’s starting to form again,” Trump said cryptically, comparing troop deployments to “maintenance on an airplane.”
Newsom responded swiftly online, posting images of exhausted National Guard soldiers sleeping on floors during last year’s deployments. His message was blunt: “So you can have them sleep on the floor again? We’re good.”
The back-and-forth underscores the high-stakes political theater that has defined the Trump–Newsom rivalry, one that has escalated dramatically since Trump’s return to the White House.
Observers have noted that Newsom is increasingly adopting Trump’s signature communication style—capitalized words, confrontational phrasing, and viral-ready posts.
“I hope it’s a wake-up call to the President,” Newsom told reporters. “If you have issues with what I’m putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns about what he’s putting out as President.”
The Governor has even launched “The Patriot Shop,” an online merchandise store designed to parody Trump’s MAGA gear. Products include “Real Patriot” hats and a $100 novelty Bible signed by Newsom, which sold out within hours. The shop’s rollout appeared to troll Trump’s own “God Bless the USA” Bible, which became a top-selling item among MAGA supporters.
A Long History of Trump–Newsom Clashes
This latest lawsuit is only the newest chapter in a long and bitter feud between the California Governor and the former President.
Immigration & Civil Rights: Since 2019, Newsom has accused Trump of “fear-mongering” against immigrants and LGBTQ+ Americans.
Wildfires: In January, Trump blamed Newsom for California’s catastrophic wildfires. Newsom accused him of “playing politics with disaster relief.”
National Guard Deployments: In June, Newsom condemned Trump’s use of troops in Los Angeles as “purposefully inflammatory,” framing it as part of a broader assault on democratic norms.
Redistricting Battles: Last month, Newsom warned that he would “fight fire with fire” if Trump-backed Republicans pursued aggressive redistricting in Texas that could influence California’s electoral map.
This ongoing clash positions Newsom as one of the loudest Democratic voices of resistance to Trump’s renewed presidency—a role that could elevate him nationally as speculation swirls about future Democratic leadership.
Why This Matters for California and Beyond
The legal and political fight is about more than troop deployments. At stake are larger constitutional questions:
Can a sitting President unilaterally federalize state National Guards for extended periods?
Does deploying troops in local communities during elections create unlawful voter intimidation?
And what precedent does this set for the balance of power between states and Washington?
Newsom has framed the issue as a defense of democracy itself. “Trump wants to be bound by no law or Constitution,” he said earlier this summer. “We are fighting to preserve American traditions, not erode them.”
With California’s legal challenge pending in federal court and Trump signaling he’s ready to escalate, the clash shows no signs of slowing.
Key Takeaways
California files lawsuit seeking injunction against Trump’s order federalizing 300 National Guard troops.
Newsom accuses Trump of militarizing Los Angeles for political purposes.
Attorney General Rob Bonta calls the move “absurd” and “unprecedented.”
Social media battle escalates as Newsom mocks Trump with satirical merchandise.
The fight centers on democracy itself, with potential national implications.
As Election Day approaches, California’s legal battle with the White House may prove to be a defining test of state power versus federal authority—and a preview of the 2026 and 2028 election showdowns already looming on the horizon.
Your Daily Edge in the Markets
Want to stay ahead of the markets without spending hours reading?
Elite Trade Club gives you the top stories, trends, and insights — all in one quick daily email.
It’s everything you need to know before the bell in under 5 minutes.
Join for free and get smarter about the markets every morning.