Newsom Hits Back After Trump Endorses His Arrest: ‘Unmistakable Step Towards Authoritarianism’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is striking back at President Donald Trump after the commander in chief backed a call for the governor’s arrest after Los Angeles erupted in violent anti-ICE protests.

“The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor,” Newsom posted on X Monday afternoon. “This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”

The governor has not been accused of violating any laws, but Border Czar Tom Homan warned earlier Monday that anyone who interferes with ICE operations, including Newsom or Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, would be subject to arrest.

Included in Newsom’s social media post was a clip of Trump endorsing the governor’s arrest to reporters: “I would [arrest him] if I was Tom, I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing.”

Newsom has been locked in a furious war of words with Trump administration officials since Trump federalized and deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to the anti-ICE demonstrations, which broke out over the weekend.

Watch above via CNN.