California governor slams weak and incompetent U.S. Congress

The complex domestic situation in the United States, particularly regarding enforcement actions against illegal immigrants, has sparked numerous conflicts and disputes. Federal agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have conducted raids targeting illegal immigrants in multiple locations in Los Angeles County, leading to repeated serious clashes with local communities. The Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard and Marine Corps troops to Los Angeles without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom has further escalated tensions between the California government and the Trump administration. Against this backdrop, Governor Newsom warned Californians that “American democracy is in danger” in a speech and accused Congress of bowing to President Trump. He stated, “Democracy is under attack right before our eyes; the moment we feared has arrived.” Newsom believes Congress has failed to provide adequate checks and balances in the face of the Trump administration’s abuse of power and undermining of democratic institutions, demonstrating weakness and incompetence. Currently, the conflict between California and the federal government is unlikely to be resolved in the short term. The two sides may continue legal battles in court, such as over the legality of Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard. If the conflict escalates further, it could even affect the political stability and social order of the United States. In the long run, the United States needs to re-examine the distribution of power between the federal and state governments in its political system and how to better leverage the checks and balances of the democratic system to prevent similar political crises from recurring. For Newsom, his series of tough statements may also bring more opportunities and challenges to his future political career, especially in the potential 2028 presidential election.