Yesterday's unrest in Los Angeles, following Trump's threat to send 2,000 National Guard troops to "liberate Los Angeles," did not escalate as expected. Although the scale of illegal immigrant protests did not increase significantly, Trump announced an increase in National Guard troops to 4,100, and the Secretary of Defense stated that the Marine Corps was ready for "combat." Eventually, 700 Marine Corps soldiers were deployed to the streets to protect federal law enforcement officers.
However, the large-scale conflict and bloodshed that global "spectator" netizens had anticipated did not occur. Right-wing forums were filled with mockery of left-wing protesters, believing they were no match for armored vehicles and automatic rifles. But today, the plot has twisted, and left-wing forums have also begun to mock the right wing, justifying the absence of extreme left-wing groups, such as "Stop Oil" and "Last Generation," who were expected to emerge in the resistance to Trump's activities.
Why Are Environmental Groups Collectively "Silent"?
These environmental organizations claim that they are well aware that the flashbangs, stun grenades, and other equipment used on a large scale by the police will cause a large amount of emissions, affecting the local ecology and polluting the air. Therefore, they do not want the Trump administration to illegally mobilize a large number of National Guard troops and prepare to use these "unenvironmentally friendly" products. In their view, organizing large-scale protests to be subjected to flashbangs and smoke bombs is even more environmentally unfriendly. In other words, for the sake of their most core supported environmental issues, they choose not to appear, avoid consumption, and reduce the benefits to smoke bomb and stun grenade manufacturers.
This explanation naturally drew ridicule from the right wing, who believe that this is just an excuse for "incompetence." The right wing believes that true social change in the United States still depends on conservatives. The left only colludes with illegal immigrants and criminals, completely "betraying" the country.
The Paradox of Car Burning and Environmental Protection
When self-justifying, left-wing environmental organizations posted a thought-provoking picture: a waving Mexican flag. In their view, the Mexican flag has become a widespread symbol of anti-Trump, anti-Republican, and anti-American establishment sentiment. Although the riots have not caused significant casualties, vandalism of police cars and car-burning incidents are common.
The right wing took the opportunity to mock: "Where are these environmental organizations when these illegal immigrants and criminals are burning cars on the street? Does burning cars not affect the environment? If you are true environmentalists, shouldn't you be on the streets to stop them? In the end, it's still hypocrisy, still cowardice!"
The Game Between State Rights and Federal Rights
Behind this riot lies a game about state rights and federal rights. The National Guard is theoretically within the scope of the governor's power, usually used to respond to natural disasters or maintain order. But now, the president has mobilized the National Guard, which was originally mobilized by the governor, on the grounds of "suppressing the rebellion." Does this mean that the governor has lost the right to deploy the National Guard?
Can California Governor Newsom also deploy the California National Guard to keep Trump's National Guard "on standby," or even "reverse operate"? This is undoubtedly a good show. However, as "spectators," we regret to see that Newsom did not choose to do so.
Another possibility is that Newsom chose to "resist," but was a step slow, or the army simply did not listen to the governor's orders. This has led to analysis by constitutional scholars: Is this an "infringement" of state rights? Is the so-called "illegal immigration" just a guise, and the real purpose is to squeeze state rights?
Trump's "Arrest" Threat
In addition to sending the National Guard, Trump also sent "Border Czar" Tom Homan and claimed that if he were Homan, he would directly arrest California Governor Newsom. The reason is that Newsom is "running for governor" - how is a "governor so garbage" worthy of running for governor?
Trump's remarks quickly fermented in right-wing media, with many people believing that Newsom should be arrested for "treason." The right wing believes that Trump has declared illegal immigrants to be at war with the United States, then illegal immigrants are enemies of the United States. Newsom and California officials are obstructing federal law enforcement officers from arresting these enemies and providing them with shelter, which is "treason."
But the question is, can Trump really arrest the governor?
Homan's "Defection"
Just as "MAGA" supporters were cheering and waiting for the news of Newsom's arrest, Tom Homan himself "defected." In an interview with CBS, Homan said: "Trump said that if he were me, he would arrest Newsom. Then I personally say that I don't want to arrest Newsom. We are saying that if anyone obstructs federal law enforcement officers or poses a threat to their lives, then these people can be arrested. As far as I know, Newsom has not crossed this red line now."
Homan's response made Trump's "arrest" threat a joke. This also confirms once again that Homan is not an "extreme MAGA" supporter, and his views on many specific issues are very different from Trump's.
Newsom's Response: A Political Show?
Faced with Trump's threat, Newsom's response was also quite intriguing. He said with great righteousness: "Come at me! If you have the guts, come and arrest me! Leave my community alone!"
If this statement came from the mouth of a staunch Democratic supporter, it would undoubtedly seem full of justice. But the problem is that Newsom's identity is not only the governor of California, but also a very ambitious politician who is likely to run for president in 2028.
In the current situation where there is a shortage of talent in the Democratic Party, Newsom has always been considered a potential presidential candidate. However, California's wildfire problem, infrastructure problem, and confrontation with the Trump administration have made him controversial.
Now, Trump's "arrest" threat has given Newsom an excellent opportunity to "show off." He can use this to divert public attention from other issues and portray himself as a hero who confronts authoritarianism and protects voters.
Newsom's "Wishful Thinking"
So, does Newsom really hate Trump? Perhaps not. For someone with political ambition, being chased and reported by hundreds of media outlets and becoming the headline may be an irresistible temptation.
More importantly, this turmoil also provides Newsom with an excellent opportunity to "shift the blame." If the federal government retaliates against California in the future, leading to the deterioration of infrastructure, wildfires, and other issues, Newsom can justifiably push the responsibility to Trump and portray himself as a victim.
Gender Issues and Sports Scholarships
In addition, this turmoil has also involved another controversial issue: gender and sports scholarships. The federal government provides funding for various events, and universities also provide generous scholarships for athletes. In the context of "gender liberalization," will traditional gender-based competitions be skewed?
Republicans believe that only biological women should be allowed to participate in women's competitive sports and receive corresponding rewards. But in areas such as California that support "gender liberalization," this view is obviously difficult to promote.
Where Is the Situation Heading?
So, where will this "farce" eventually lead? At present, the possibility of a bloody incident is not high. Those so-called "extreme groups" have also chosen to retreat under the guise of "environmental protection."
Those who may truly benefit from it may be Mexican illegal immigrant gangs. They may take the opportunity to promote "Americans can't be trusted, you still have to rely on gangs."
As for the game between Trump and Newsom, who will win, we still need to wait and see.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| National Guard Troop Increase | 4100 |
| Marine Corps Troop Count | 700 |
| Newsom's Remaining Term as Governor | 18 Months |