President Donald Trump just threw a verbal haymaker at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, suggesting his border czar, Tom Homan, should take up the governor’s dare to arrest him amid escalating chaos in Los Angeles.

As reported by the Daily Caller, the drama unfolded as riots gripped Los Angeles, and Trump didn’t mince words when asked about Newsom’s challenge to Homan. 

“I would do it, if I were Tom,” Trump said with a smirk, clearly relishing the moment. He went on to call Newsom “grossly incompetent,” pointing to the governor’s track record as evidence. It’s a classic Trump jab—polite enough to pass muster but with a sting that lingers like a paper cut.

Los Angeles Unrest Sparks Federal Action

The trouble in Los Angeles started after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted raids, rounding up 100 unauthorized migrants, including individuals tied to drug trafficking and gang activity. Predictably, this ignited a firestorm of unrest in the city.

Anti-Trump protesters took to the streets, and things quickly spiraled into violence with cars torched, Molotov cocktails hurled, and property defaced with messages like “KILL ICE.” It’s a stark reminder that emotions are running hotter than a California wildfire.

In response, Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard soldiers to restore order in the city on Saturday. This move, while decisive, drew sharp criticism from Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who seem to think federal intervention is the real problem here.

Newsom’s Dare Fuels Political Firestorm

Newsom, never one to shy away from a camera, threw down the gauntlet with a direct challenge to Homan: “Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”

“You know, I don’t give a damn. But I care about my community, I care about this community,” Newsom continued, positioning himself as the defender of Californians. It’s a noble sentiment—if you ignore the chaos unfolding under his watch, which looks more like a leadership crisis than a community love letter.

Trump couldn’t resist weighing in, adding that while he finds Newsom personally likable, the governor’s performance is a disaster. “Everybody knows all you have to do is look at the little railroad he’s building. It’s about 100 times over budget,” Trump quipped, proving once again that fiscal restraint isn’t just a suggestion in his book.

Homan Responds to Misleading Reports

Meanwhile, Homan found himself in the crosshairs of media spin, disputing an NBC News report suggesting he threatened to arrest Newsom directly. “The NBC reporter interviewed me very dishonest[ly],” Homan said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” claiming his words were taken out of context.

“Here’s what we said, and I talked about these people that are in these protests and rioting when they cross the line,” Homan clarified. He emphasized that while First Amendment rights are protected, actions like assaulting officers or hiding unauthorized migrants are federal offenses.

“They can’t cross that line of putting their hands on officers, they can’t cross that line of knowingly concealing an illegal alien,” Homan added. It’s a fair point—laws exist for a reason, even if some in the progressive camp treat them like optional reading.

Balancing Rights and Law Enforcement

The broader clash here isn’t just about Newsom’s bravado or Trump’s sharp tongue; it’s about where the line is drawn between protest rights and public safety. When fireworks and rocks start flying, it’s hard to argue that it’s just “free speech” with extra flair.

Newsom’s pushback against federal actions might resonate with his base, but it sidesteps the reality of violence in Los Angeles streets. Caring about the community is one thing; having a plan to protect it is quite another, and the governor’s playbook seems more theatrical than tactical.

Trump and Homan, for all the criticism they face, are at least addressing the immediate crisis with action—raids on criminal elements and National Guard support. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a start, and sometimes starting is better than grandstanding. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail before this political spat turns into an even bigger mess.