JD Vance Attacks Newsom, Bass & Padilla – LA Visit
- Los Angeles became the stage for a political clash Friday as Vice President JD Vance accused California Gov.
- During a visit to Los Angeles, Vance met with federal, state, and local officials, justifying President Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops.
- Newsom and Bass have been critical of the raids, which sparked protests and some violent confrontations.
vice president JD Vance ignited a political firestorm in Los Angeles, accusing governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass of inciting violence against law enforcement, a claim they vehemently denied. During his visit, Vance defended the deployment of National Guard troops, citing it as a necessary measure to quell alleged riots spurred by the officials’ criticism of federal immigration raids.Newsom and Bass, however, countered Vance’s assertions, defending their city and its immigrant population while condemning the federal response. This visit and the resulting clash over immigration and law enforcement highlight a deepening divide. news Directory 3’s coverage offers unparalleled insight into the evolving political landscape. Discover what’s next in this developing story.
Vance Criticizes Newsom, Bass Over Immigration Raid Response
Los Angeles became the stage for a political clash Friday as Vice President JD Vance accused California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass of endangering law enforcement. Vance asserted their criticism of federal immigration raids incited violence,a claim both Democrats refuted.
During a visit to Los Angeles, Vance met with federal, state, and local officials, justifying President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops. He argued the move was necessary to quell what he described as riots spurred by Newsom and Bass’ opposition to the immigration enforcement actions.
Newsom and Bass have been critical of the raids, which sparked protests and some violent confrontations. Both have urged demonstrators to remain peaceful.
Bass, who was not invited to meet with Vance, dismissed his characterization of the situation.She defended Los Angeles as a city of immigrants and criticized vance for what she called a waste of taxpayer money on a “stunt.”
newsom took to social media to address Vance’s remarks, notably his referring to Sen. Alex Padilla as “Jose” after Padilla was briefly detained while questioning Homeland security Secretary Kristi Noem at a news conference.
Vance said he was hoping “Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question,but unluckily I guess he decided not to show up because there wasn’t a theater.”
A Padilla spokesperson responded that Vance, a former Senate colleague, “knows better” and should focus on “demilitarizing our city.”
Vance’s visit coincided with a Republican National committee summer retreat in Beverly Hills, where he attended a fundraiser with tickets costing up to $445,000, according to NOTUS.
During his visit, Vance stated Newsom and Bass’ actions were “disgraceful” and that was why Trump deployed the National Guard.
“we have to remember that the day that the riots started…you had law enforcement officers that were being captured and beaten by a violent mob, egged on by Gavin Newsom and other officials,” Vance told reporters. “It was necessary to send in the national Guard to stop that process to bring some order back to this great city.”
Newsom has repeatedly criticized the federal raids, saying they violated Trump’s vow to target violent, criminal immigrants, but also urged Californians protesting the actions to do so peacefully and said those who engaged in lawlessness would be arrested.
Vance defended the deployment of troops alongside U.S. Attorney Bill A. Essayli and FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis.
“That’s why we’re here,that’s why these guys are standing beside me,” Vance said. “That’s why we have close to 5,000 soldiers and Marines from the Department of Defense. It’s as we’ve got to enforce the law.”
The visit occurs amid a legal battle between California and federal officials over control of the California National Guard,which Trump federalized over Newsom’s objections after the immigration raids sparked protests. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has kept the troops under federal control while the issue is litigated.
Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has vowed to continue fighting the Trump administration over the decision.
Newsom’s office expressed disappointment that the White House did not engage with them directly ahead of Vance’s visit, noting they received no official notice of the trip.
“What happened here was a tragedy,” vance told reporters. “You had people who were doing the simple job of enforcing the law, and you had rioters, egged on by the governor and the mayor, making it harder for them to do their job.”
“Unfortunately, the vice president did not take time to learn about our city and understand that our city is a city of immigrants from every country and continent on the planet,” Bass said at a news conference Friday evening. “How dare you say that city officials encourage violence,” Bass said. “We kept the peace.”
“I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question, but unfortunately I guess he decided not to show up because there wasn’t a theater, and that’s all it is,” Vance said.
“He should be more focused on demilitarizing our city than taking cheap shots,” spokesperson Tess oswald posted on X. “Another unserious comment from an unserious administration.”
What’s next
The legal battle over control of the California National Guard is ongoing, with further briefs expected to be submitted to a federal judge. The political fallout from Vance’s visit and comments is likely to continue, particularly on social media.