California’s governor is blasting Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for attending a baseball game while thousands of deployed troops reportedly lacked basic necessities. As images of Los Angeles riots surface, the Pentagon defends the military presence amid mounting chaos and political finger-pointing.
Newsom’s Sharp Criticism of Defense Secretary
Governor Gavin Newsom publicly lambasted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week, claiming the Trump administration official was enjoying recreational activities while troops faced harsh conditions in California. The Democratic governor took specific aim at Hegseth’s attendance at a Congressional baseball game, suggesting it demonstrated a lack of concern for military personnel deployed to Los Angeles amid ongoing civil unrest. Newsom’s criticism centered on allegations that thousands of troops were sent to California without proper logistical support for their basic needs.
The governor’s statements form part of a broader dispute over the necessity and legality of federal military deployment in California. Newsom has consistently maintained that the federal troops were not requested by state authorities and that their presence represents federal overreach. His administration is currently seeking a temporary restraining order to limit military activities to protecting federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles, arguing that state and local law enforcement are capable of handling the situation.
Happening now: 🚨 Pete Hegseth just defended the deployment of the National Guard and Marines because of the failures of Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom!
This is what I voted for! 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/ND8Jq1uRbP
— Jay 🇺🇸 Recall Gavin Newsom! (@MasterArborists) June 10, 2025
Pentagon’s Response to Newsom’s Allegations
The Department of Defense quickly countered Newsom’s claims about Hegseth’s priorities and the necessity of troops in California. The Pentagon’s rapid response team posted photographic evidence of violent riots in Los Angeles, suggesting the visual proof justified the military deployment that Newsom had characterized as unnecessary. The images showed extensive property damage, burning vehicles, and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, presenting a stark contrast to the governor’s depiction of the situation.
In congressional hearings this week, Secretary Hegseth defended the Trump administration’s decision to deploy military personnel to Los Angeles. When questioned by Representative Ro Khanna about whether he would respect court rulings limiting military deployments, Hegseth pushed back firmly. His responses indicated a belief that local judges should not have final authority on matters of national security, setting up a potential constitutional confrontation over separation of powers.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NEWSMAX that the federal government is working to secure Los Angeles because its own mayor and governor won't.
Gavin Newsom failed his city and people. pic.twitter.com/8VjNo1LozK
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) June 11, 2025
Civil Unrest Following Immigration Enforcement
The military deployment at the center of this dispute followed widespread protests against immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration. According to reports, demonstrations initially began peacefully but escalated in Los Angeles, resulting in property destruction, looting, and confrontations with law enforcement. President Trump cited these developments when ordering National Guard and Marine deployments, publicly blaming Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for failing to adequately protect citizens and property.
The immigration enforcement actions have sparked protests nationwide, with hundreds of arrests reported in Los Angeles alone. Adding to the tensions, Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, an incident that further inflamed partisan divisions. Despite the controversy surrounding the raids, President Trump has indicated plans to adjust immigration policies to protect migrant workers in agriculture and hospitality sectors, suggesting a more nuanced approach than initial reports indicated.
Constitutional Questions and Military Limits
The dispute between California officials and the Trump administration raises significant constitutional questions about the limits of federal authority to deploy military forces domestically. Former military leaders have filed an amicus brief opposing Trump’s military deployment, citing concerns about national security risks and the politicization of the armed forces. The brief aligns with Governor Newsom’s position that the deployment exceeds presidential authority and potentially violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement.
“What I’m saying is local district judges shouldn’t make foreign policy for the United States.” – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
As tensions continue to escalate, nationwide protests dubbed “No Kings Day” are planned for June 14, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, D.C. These demonstrations aim to oppose what critics characterize as President Trump’s excessive use of executive authority. Meanwhile, Marines deployed to Los Angeles have reportedly been instructed to focus on protecting federal facilities rather than engaging in civilian law enforcement activities, potentially representing a compromise between federal security concerns and state sovereignty.