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Newsom Criticizes Trump's Handling of George Floyd Protests

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Blasts Trump Over Handling of George Floyd Protests, Pushes for Police Reforms

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom sharply criticized former President Donald Trump on Friday for his response to the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, accusing him of exacerbating divisions and failing to address systemic issues in policing. Speaking at a press conference in Sacramento, Newsom highlighted what he described as Trump's inflammatory rhetoric and aggressive tactics, which he said fueled unrest rather than promoting healing or reform.

The comments came amid ongoing national debates about police accountability, sparked by the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020. Floyd's death, captured on video, ignited widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality, leading to calls for sweeping changes in law enforcement practices across the United States. Newsom, a Democrat who has positioned himself as a progressive leader on social issues, used the occasion to announce new state initiatives aimed at reforming police training and oversight, drawing a stark contrast to what he portrayed as the federal government's inaction under Trump.

"Donald Trump had a chance to unite the country in a moment of profound pain and anger," Newsom said. "Instead, he chose division, tear gas, and photo ops. He turned the White House into a bunker and the streets into battlegrounds. That's not leadership; that's cowardice." Newsom referenced Trump's infamous walk to St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., where federal agents cleared peaceful protesters with tear gas to allow for a photo opportunity holding a Bible. The governor argued that such actions not only inflamed tensions but also distracted from the real work needed to address racial inequities.

In California, Newsom has been at the forefront of implementing reforms in the wake of Floyd's death. He signed a series of bills last year that ban chokeholds and carotid restraints, require officers to intervene if they witness excessive force by colleagues, and mandate the de-escalation training for all law enforcement personnel. On Friday, he unveiled additional measures, including a $100 million investment in community-based alternatives to policing, such as mental health response teams and violence interruption programs. These initiatives, Newsom said, are designed to reduce the reliance on armed officers for non-violent situations and to build trust between communities and law enforcement.

The governor's remarks also touched on broader criticisms of Trump's presidency, particularly his approach to racial justice. Newsom accused Trump of emboldening white supremacist groups and downplaying the significance of movements like Black Lives Matter. "When the president of the United States calls protesters 'thugs' and suggests military intervention, he's not protecting America; he's undermining it," Newsom stated. He pointed to instances where Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard or federal troops to cities experiencing unrest, including in California, without local consent, which Newsom described as an overreach of federal power.

This isn't the first time Newsom has clashed with Trump. During Trump's tenure, the two leaders sparred over issues ranging from immigration and environmental regulations to wildfire response and the COVID-19 pandemic. California, under Newsom's leadership, sued the Trump administration dozens of times, challenging policies on everything from vehicle emissions standards to family separations at the border. Newsom has often framed these battles as a defense of progressive values against what he sees as authoritarian tendencies.

In the context of George Floyd's death, Newsom emphasized the need for federal action that Trump failed to deliver. While Congress passed some bipartisan measures, such as the Justice in Policing Act, which stalled in the Senate, Newsom argued that Trump's veto threats and divisive language prevented meaningful progress. "We needed a president who would listen to the cries for justice, not one who would amplify the noise of hatred," he said.

Looking ahead, Newsom tied his criticisms to the upcoming midterm elections and the potential for Trump's influence in Republican politics. With Trump hinting at a 2024 presidential run, Newsom warned that a return to such leadership could reverse gains in civil rights and police reform. "America deserves better than going backward," he said. "In California, we're moving forward with real solutions that prioritize equity and safety for all."

The press conference also featured input from civil rights advocates and law enforcement officials who supported Newsom's reforms. Rev. Amos Brown, a prominent San Francisco pastor and civil rights leader, praised the governor's efforts, saying, "Gov. Newsom is turning words into action, something we didn't see from the White House under Trump." Meanwhile, representatives from the California Police Chiefs Association acknowledged the need for change, though they expressed concerns about funding and implementation timelines for the new programs.

Newsom's announcement included specifics on engineering safer community responses, such as integrating social workers and mental health professionals into emergency response teams—a nod to cases like Floyd's, where underlying issues like substance abuse or mental health crises escalated into fatal encounters. He proposed pilot programs in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to test these integrated models, with data collection to measure effectiveness in reducing use-of-force incidents.

Critics of Newsom, particularly from conservative circles, have accused him of being too lenient on crime, pointing to rising homelessness and property crimes in some California cities. They argue that his reforms could hamstring police officers and lead to increased lawlessness. In response, Newsom defended his approach as balanced, combining accountability with support for officers. "Reform isn't about defunding the police; it's about funding the right responses," he explained.

The governor also addressed the economic aspects of reform, noting that California's budget surplus allows for these investments without raising taxes. He highlighted partnerships with tech companies in Silicon Valley to develop AI-driven tools for monitoring police interactions, ensuring transparency and reducing biases in policing.

As the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of George Floyd's death, Newsom's statements underscore the ongoing partisan divide on issues of race, justice, and governance. While Trump has remained a vocal figure in Republican politics, often defending his record on law and order, figures like Newsom are using platforms to advocate for systemic change. The contrast highlights the deep fissures in American society, with states like California leading the way in progressive policies amid federal gridlock.

In wrapping up his remarks, Newsom called for unity, urging Americans to reject divisive politics. "The memory of George Floyd demands that we do better," he said. "Let's build a future where justice isn't just a slogan, but a reality for every community." The event concluded with a moment of silence for Floyd and other victims of police violence, symbolizing California's commitment to ongoing reform efforts.

Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/gavin-newsom-donald-trump-donald-trump-es-george-floyd-engineering-b28d02c2cc41ba757320c57ec7c97846 ]