Mike Johnson Calls for Gavin Newsom to Be “Tarred and Feathered”
A Controversial Statement
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stirred controversy on Tuesday when he suggested that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be “tarred and feathered.” The Mike Johnson Gavin Newsom controversy highlighted existing tensions. While Johnson declined to comment on whether he believes Newsom should be arrested, his remarks come amid escalating tensions between California officials and the Trump administration regarding immigration policies.
Context of the Comments
The backdrop to Johnson’s statement involves President Trump and White House border czar Tom Homan, who have both floated the idea of arresting California officials, including Newsom, for allegedly obstructing deportations. The suggestion of punitive actions further fueled the controversy surrounding Mike Johnson and Gavin Newsom. Trump expressed his support for such actions, stating, “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great.” He added, “I like Gavin Newsom. He’s a nice guy. But he’s grossly incompetent, fueling the controversy.”
In response, Newsom challenged Homan, saying, “Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy. I don’t give a damn,” reflecting the Mike Johnson Gavin Newsom controversy.
Johnson’s Remarks
During a House Republican leadership press conference, Johnson stated that the question of Newsom’s arrest was “not my lane.” However, he did not hold back on his opinion about the governor’s actions. “He ought to be tarred and feathered,” Johnson asserted, accusing Newsom of obstructing federal law enforcement efforts. The controversy arising from remarks by Mike Johnson regarding Gavin Newsom persisted. “He’s standing in the way of the administration of carrying out federal law. He is applauding the bad guys and standing in the way of the good guys. He is a participant, an accomplice,” Johnson added, fueling the discourse.
Response from Newsom’s Camp
A spokesperson for Newsom did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Johnson’s statements, leaving the controversy involving Mike Johnson and Gavin Newsom to unfold further.
Growing Tensions
These comments come amid a rising clash between Democrats and Republicans over recent protests in Los Angeles against Trump’s deportation campaign. In response to acts of vandalism and unrest, Trump has mobilized the California National Guard and U.S. Marines. Newsom and other Democrats have accused the administration of escalating tensions and deploying the National Guard unconstitutionally without the state’s consent, adding fuel to the existing controversy.
As the political landscape continues to heat up, the controversy involving Mike Johnson and Gavin Newsom reflects the deepening divide between state and federal authorities on immigration issues. The ongoing feud between Newsom and Trump, coupled with the protests in California, underscores the complexities of handling immigration policy in a polarized environment.
Source: Axios
