Summary of "Did Gavin Newsom Just Make the LA Riots Much Worse?" – The Rubin Report

Introduction and Context In the June 11, 2025 episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin delves into the escalating unrest in Los Angeles, examining whether Governor Gavin Newsom's actions have exacerbated the situation. Rubin sets the stage by reflecting on his personal experiences in Los Angeles, highlighting the city's transformation from a dream destination to a place plagued by homelessness and crime, which led him to leave eight years prior due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Media Coverage and Public Perception Rubin criticizes mainstream media outlets, particularly MSNBC and figures like Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell, accusing them of downplaying the severity of the LA riots. He argues that these media personalities are misleading the public by minimizing the extent of the chaos and violence, thereby preventing viewers from fully comprehending the gravity of the situation.

Notable Quote:
“Rachel Maddow makes about $20 million a year. He [Lawrence O'Donnell] only makes $4 million a year. So something about the gender pay gap is all screwed up there.” (15:30)

Role of Government and Law Enforcement The discussion shifts to Governor Gavin Newsom’s response to the riots, including the deployment of the National Guard and the implementation of a curfew in downtown Los Angeles. Rubin contends that Newsom's actions are more about appearing strong rather than addressing the operational needs of the city. He emphasizes that the violence, including arson and looting, is orchestrated by progressive elements aiming to destabilize the city.

Notable Quote:
“He [Gavin Newsom] does not care about the people of California. He cares only about power.” (45:10)

Comparative Analysis with Other States Rubin draws parallels between California and other states, suggesting that if the turmoil in Los Angeles continues unchecked, similar unrest could spread to cities like New York, Chicago, and Seattle. He predicts that these cities will experience increased violence and chaos unless decisive action is taken by state and federal authorities.

Notable Quote:
“California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next.” (50:05)

Political Implications and Trump's Role A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing former President Donald Trump's policies on immigration and law enforcement. Rubin praises Trump for fulfilling his promises to deport illegal immigrants and restore order, contrasting this with the Democratic approach, which he views as lenient and enabling chaos. He urges Trump to "level up" his efforts to quell the riots, emphasizing the necessity of strong leadership to prevent further deterioration.

Notable Quote:
“Donald Trump is doing everything that he promised to do. He's going in and getting rid of people who should not be here.” (25:45)

International Perspectives: Europe's Struggles Extending the conversation beyond the U.S., Rubin touches on Europe's immigration challenges, particularly referencing the Netherlands and political figures like Geert Wilders and Viktor Orban. He warns that Europe is facing a "slow death" due to uncontrolled immigration and societal changes, drawing a cautionary parallel to the situation in America.

Notable Quote:
“Europe is just dying a slow death. They are slowly dying while Israel fights for its existence.” (1:10:30)

Call to Action and Conclusion Rubin concludes by urging Donald Trump and other Republican leaders to take decisive action to restore order and protect American sovereignty. He stresses that the current unrest is a critical moment for the nation, requiring strong leadership to defend against what he perceives as orchestrated attempts to dismantle the United States.

Notable Quote:
“Step up, Trump. Step up Republican governors. Step up every America-loving person. This is about the future of our country.” (1:20:15)

Upcoming Segments Rubin teases an upcoming 20-minute interview with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, positioning Florida as a contrasting model to California's struggles. He also mentions a future discussion on the growing threats posed by progressive movements and their impact on American society.

Final Thoughts Throughout the episode, Rubin maintains a critical stance towards progressive leaders and mainstream media, advocating for a return to stricter law enforcement and immigration policies. His analysis intertwines domestic unrest with international issues, presenting a narrative that emphasizes the need for strong, decisive action to preserve American values and stability.