California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is deploying state police officers to certain cities as President Donald Trump floated the possibility of sending National Guard troops to San Francisco in an effort to “clean” it up.
Why It Matters
The move represents both a public-safety measure and a political rebuke of Trump’s recent decisions to send National Guard and federal troops to cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
The move also comes on the heels of Newsom’s rebuke of Republican redistricting efforts.
Gavin Newsom Ramps Up Law Enforcement in California: What We Know
Newsom announced that he had dispatched California Highway Patrol (CHP) “crime suppression teams” to multiple major regions—including Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, the Inland Empire and the Central Valley—as his administration contrasted the state-led deployments with Trump’s unilateral use of federal forces in U.S. cities.
In a post on X on Thursday, the democratic governor said, “California is expanding @CHP_HQ teams in key regions to bring down crime. We’ve seen what success looks like when investing in strategic community partnerships, and with this next phase, we’re continuing the work to improve public safety throughout the state.”
Newsom then noted in an additional post on X in part that “While the Trump Administration undermines cities, California is partnering with them — and delivering real results.” Newsom then posted arrest numbers in cities including Bakersfield, Oakland and San Bernardino.
When reached for comment, Newsom’s office sent Newsweek the announcement of the CHP troop deployment and Newsom’s media availability on Thursday.
Newsom’s announcement also called out Republican run states like Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama for their respective homicide rate statistics compared to California.
Meanwhile, Trump has signaled plans to potentially expand the use of the National Guard and federal forces in other cities he described as crime-plagued, like Chicago and Baltimore.
What People Are Saying
The Democratic Governors Association, in a joint statement sent to Newsweek on Thursday via email, said, “Every American deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood and community. But instead of actually addressing crime, President Trump cut federal funding for law enforcement that states rely on and continues to politicize our military by trying to undermine the executive authority of Governors as Commanders in Chief of their state’s National Guard.
“Whether it’s Illinois, Maryland and New York or another state tomorrow, the President’s threats and efforts to deploy a state’s National Guard without the request and consent of that state’s governor is an alarming abuse of power, ineffective, and undermines the mission of our service members.
“This chaotic federal interference in our states’ National Guard must come to an end.”
Trump on Truth Social on Thursday: “Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!! President DJT”.
What Happens Next
Politically, the deployments reinforce Newsom’s public contrast with Trump.
Analysts have pointed to his recent actions as part of Newsom’s broader positioning ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid, as polling shows the governor has been surging in recent weeks.