Introduction: Outrage Sparks After “Tarred and Feathered” Remark
In a deeply controversial statement, US House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for California Governor Gavin Newsom to be “tarred and feathered” for his opposition to federal immigration enforcement. This explosive remark, made on June 10, 2025, during a Republican leadership press conference, has further intensified the political divide amid violent protests and military deployments across Los Angeles.
What Did Mike Johnson Say?
When asked about whether Governor Newsom should be arrested for interfering with federal agents, Speaker Johnson sidestepped the legal question but stated, “He ought to be tarred and feathered.” He accused Newsom of “applauding the bad guys” and obstructing law enforcement, framing the governor as an “accomplice” to illegal immigration.
The term “tarred and feathered” has deep historical ties to mob justice and torture, making the comment not only controversial but widely condemned as inflammatory and dangerous.
Gavin Newsom Responds: “Come After Me”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, known for his outspoken liberal stance, did not hold back. He described President Trump’s decision to send federal troops to Los Angeles as the “deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president,” and added, “Come after me, arrest me… I don’t give a damn.”
Newsom also accused the federal government of using the military for domestic political gain, saying the move was “about stroking a dangerous president’s ego.”
Military Deployed Amid LA Protests
Over 700 US Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized in Los Angeles to suppress ongoing protests that erupted after ICE raids arrested large numbers of undocumented immigrants, particularly in Latino neighborhoods.
Federal agents have faced resistance from local leaders, including Newsom, who argue that state rights are being trampled. Protestors across the country—from New York to San Francisco—have denounced the use of military force against civilians.
Trump, Tom Homan Add Fuel to Fire
Tom Homan, Trump’s Border Czar, warned that elected officials interfering with raids could face arrest. “It’s a felony to knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien,” Homan said. Trump backed the statement, calling Newsom “grossly incompetent,” even while saying he “likes him personally.”
Historical Context: Military on Domestic Soil
This is not the first time US troops have been deployed domestically. In 2005, the Marines were sent in during Hurricane Katrina. However, legal scholars note that such use of the military for law enforcement remains controversial and arguably unconstitutional under the Posse Comitatus Act.
Conclusion: Dangerous Words in Dangerous Times
Speaker Mike Johnson’s statement and the escalating clash between federal authorities and California’s leadership have plunged the US into a fresh political crisis. As debates rage over immigration policy, civil liberties, and executive overreach, the coming days will test the nation’s democratic foundations and legal norms.
With protests gaining momentum and state-federal relations at a breaking point, America watches as a constitutional showdown unfolds live on the streets of Los Angeles and beyond.
For continuing coverage, see: New York Times: Immigration Protests in LA