Podcast Summary: "Gavin Newsom on the L.A. Protests, Trump’s Response and Why It’s a Defining Moment for Democracy"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Daily
- Host/Author: The New York Times
- Episode Title: Gavin Newsom on the L.A. Protests, Trump’s Response and Why It’s a Defining Moment for Democracy
- Release Date: June 12, 2025
- Hosts: Michael Barbaro, Rachel Abrams, Natalie Kitroeff
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Daily, California Governor Gavin Newsom joins host Michael Barbaro to discuss the recent unrest in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump's controversial deployment of federal troops, and the broader implications for American democracy. The conversation delves into the dynamics between state and federal authorities, immigration policies, and the personal challenges faced by political leaders in turbulent times.
Current Situation in Los Angeles
Overview of Protests and Federal Deployment
Governor Newsom begins by addressing the current state of protests in downtown Los Angeles, describing them as "nominal" with "some pockets of modest activity" spanning "four or five square blocks" (02:17). He highlights the minimal nature of the protests compared to the significant presence of federal troops.
Deployment of Federal Troops
Newsom criticizes President Trump's decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, labeling it a "brazen abuse of power" (00:31). He points out the inefficiency of the deployment, noting that only about 315 troops were mission-tasked shortly after arrival, with the majority remaining idle without essential supplies (03:32).
“He [Trump] conceived of this deployment without any coordination with local law enforcement. It was purely theatrical.” (03:32)
Immigration Raids and Community Impact
Federal Immigration Raids
Governor Newsom expresses deep concern over the surge in immigration raids conducted by federal authorities across California, including targets like home depots, car washes, and clinics (02:58). He underscores the disruption these raids cause to everyday life and the fear it instills in communities.
“People are disappearing, disappearing. They don't know where they are... We have a 15-year-old who came home crying because she was told her daddy was getting arrested.” (15:51)
Coordination with ICE
Despite being a sanctuary state, Newsom emphasizes California’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in apprehending dangerous criminals. He differentiates state-level collaboration from local sanctuary policies.
“We coordinate and we collaborate with them over 10,500 times since I've been governor to go after people that are here that commit life crimes.” (28:58)
Conversation with President Trump
Accusations of Lying
Newsom recounts his brief and cordial conversation with President Trump, asserting that the President lied during their interaction. He vehemently calls Trump a “stone cold liar” and criticizes his inconsistent and aggressive tactics (09:06).
“He lied. Stone cold liar. Don't think for a second he told the truth.” (09:06)
Lack of Coordination and Surprise Deployment
He describes the deployment of troops as a sudden and uncoordinated move that left California officials scrambling to protect the National Guard rather than effectively managing the protests (10:15).
“He [Trump] begins the day with that and then talks about the National Guard and starts making up all these things he claimed he told me about.” (10:50)
Defining Moment for Democracy
Governor's Speech Against Trump’s Actions
In his speech, Newsom labels the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement as a "red line" crossed, emphasizing the threat it poses to American democracy. He highlights the fear instilled in citizens and the potential erosion of fundamental rights (13:44).
“Sending fear and chills up the spines of law-abiding citizens... I don’t know what else you know.” (13:44)
Call to Action
Newsom urges Americans not to remain silent, framing silence as complicity in the erosion of democracy. He encourages active citizenship and peaceful protest as antidotes to fear and authoritarianism (18:43).
“What he [Trump] wants is our silence. And if we're silent about that, then we are complicit as we see these fundamental rights erode.” (18:43)
Navigating Political Polarization
Engagement with Opponents
Despite the tensions, Newsom maintains a stance of engaging with political opponents, including conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon. He believes in the importance of civil conversations and learning from those with differing viewpoints (24:08).
“A lot of folks don't know me, they think they know me... I have enormous respect for people I disagree with.” (24:08)
Challenges Within the Democratic Party
He acknowledges internal challenges, noting criticism from his own party and legislature regarding his collaboration with ICE. Nonetheless, Newsom remains committed to his approach of balancing law enforcement with empathy for immigrants (28:58).
Policy Stance on Immigration
Balancing Enforcement and Compassion
Governor Newsom advocates for targeting violent criminals within the immigrant community while extending empathy to those seeking to live peacefully. He rejects blanket opposition to immigration enforcement, emphasizing responsible and civil actions (28:58).
“I have deep empathy for someone who's been here 10, 15, 20 years... But get rid of the criminals, I have no problem with that.” (28:58)
Critique of Federal Actions
He criticizes the Trump administration’s use of raids and federal troops as disproportionate and counterproductive, exacerbating fear and instability within communities (31:30).
Future Outlook and Resolution
Legal and Moral Authority
Newsom expresses confidence in California's legal strategies to counteract federal overreach, stressing the importance of moral authority over formal authority. He believes in the resilience and economic strength of California as pivotal in resisting federal pressures (34:16).
“The more you exercise your moral authority, the more abundant it becomes.” (33:37)
Hope for Democracy
He remains hopeful that active citizen engagement and adherence to the rule of law will uphold democracy, even in the face of aggressive federal actions (35:27).
“How this ends, American people stand up. How this ends, the rule of law triumphs.” (35:25)
Conclusion
Governor Gavin Newsom's interview on The Daily offers a deep dive into the intersection of state and federal authority, the complexities of immigration enforcement, and the fragile state of American democracy under Trump's administration. Through his candid remarks and impassioned calls to action, Newsom paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by California and the broader nation in preserving democratic principles amidst political turmoil.
Notable Quotes:
- “California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next and a defining moment.” (00:42)
- “He [Trump] wants most is your fealty, your silence, to be complicit in this moment. Do not give in to him.” (00:55)
- “I have not heard from the president since you gave that speech... He called for my arrest [15:34].”
- “Sending fear and chills up the spines of law abiding citizens... I don’t know what else you know.” (13:44)
- “What he [Trump] wants is our silence. And if we're silent about that, then we are complicit...” (18:43)
Note: This summary omits advertisements, introductory remarks, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussion between Governor Gavin Newsom and Michael Barbaro.