President Donald Trump has denied allegations that California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass paid demonstrators to incite violence during ongoing protests in California.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed the accusation, clarifying, “No, I didn’t mention the governor and mayor. I said someone is paying them, I think.” His remarks came just hours after critics pointed out that he had made similar insinuations earlier in a speech at Fort Bragg.
Despite his denial, the Department of Homeland Security amplified Trump’s rhetoric earlier in the day with a social media post urging California leaders to “control their rampaging crowd,” reinforcing perceptions that the administration is targeting state officials over the unrest.
Protests have gripped Los Angeles for several days, fueled by anger over federal immigration crackdowns. Demonstrators, many of whom identify with immigrant communities, have voiced frustration with the militarized federal response ordered by the Trump administration.
The use of Mexican flags at some demonstrations — long a cultural symbol in pro-immigrant movements — has sparked fresh criticism from conservative groups. Still, for many Mexican Americans, the flag represents heritage and pride, not political provocation.
Earlier on Tuesday, around 300 demonstrators assembled outside the Federal Building in North Los Angeles under the watchful eye of California National Guard troops deployed at Trump’s directive — a move made over strong objections from state officials.
The escalating standoff between California and the federal government has deepened amid the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to support the Guard. Governor Newsom has condemned the federal buildup as a “deranged fantasy” and pledged legal action, arguing that the deployment violates the state’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Trump defended the move as necessary to maintain law and order. “If we hadn’t stepped in, Los Angeles would be out of control,” he said.
What began as localized protests over immigration enforcement has now spiraled into a broader political confrontation between California’s Democratic leadership and the Trump White House. Analysts warn that the clash — and the administration’s aggressive federal posture — could carry significant political implications ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
With legal challenges looming and demonstrations continuing, the California protests have become a flashpoint in the national debate over federal authority, immigration policy, and civil liberties.
