House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., suggested a cruel and archaic form of punishment on Tuesday to deal with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pushback against the Trump administration’s efforts to maintain order in riot-ravaged Los Angeles.
When a reported asked Johnson, “Do you believe that Newsom should face consequences in a legal way?” the speaker responded: “That’s not my lane. I’m not going to give you legal analysis on whether Gavin Newsom should be arrested but he ought to be tarred and feathered, I’ll say that.”
Newsom immediately shot back, sarcastically replying: “Good to know we’re skipping the arrest and going straight for the 1700’s style forms of punishment. A fitting threat given the @GOP want to bring our country back to the 18th Century.”
On Monday, a reported asked President Donald Trump if border czar Tom Homan should arrest Newsom. Trump replied: “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing.”
What began as an aggressive protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Los Angeles over the weekend rapidly descended into rioting that is now in its fifth day.
To quell the violence and restore order to the affected parts of Los Angeles, Trump has activated nearly 2,100 National Guard troops.
Protesters will now have to face U.S. Marines as well. On Tuesday, Trump announced he would send 700 Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Division from Twentynine Palms, California, to assist the National Guard troops.
Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against Trump over the president’s federalization of the National Guard.
“Look, he’s standing in the way of the administration and the carrying out of federal law,” Johnson added. “He is applauding the bad guys and standing in the way of the good guys. He’s a participant and an accomplice in our federal agents not just being disrespected but assaulted.”
“What a joke,” Johnson remarked about the lawsuit. “Do your job, man, that’s what I tell Gavin Newsom. Do your job. Stop working on your rebranding and be a governor.”
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