‘Deranged’: Newsom and Hegseth Trade Explosive Insults as Defense Secretary Weighs Deploying Marines to Los Angeles

Washington, D.C. — A political firestorm erupted this week as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed publicly over the possible deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to escalating civil unrest, rising violent crime, and what federal sources are calling “a city at the tipping point.”

The controversy exploded into national headlines after Newsom condemned Hegseth’s comments on Sunday as “irresponsible,” accusing the former Fox News host and current Pentagon chief of pushing “military theatrics over constitutional solutions.” Hegseth fired back just hours later, calling Newsom’s leadership “deranged” and “a dangerous blend of arrogance and incompetence.”

The political spat has further inflamed an already tense atmosphere in Southern California, where weeks of protests, organized crime waves, and clashes with police have left neighborhoods in disarray. Calls for federal assistance are growing louder among some city officials, even as others warn of dangerous overreach.

The Flashpoint: LA on the Brink

Tensions in Los Angeles have been building for weeks. A combination of economic instability, record-high homelessness, and ongoing protests over police reform and housing rights has fueled nightly demonstrations across the city. While many gatherings have remained peaceful, law enforcement officials say extremist groups and opportunistic criminals have infiltrated protest zones, leading to rising assaults, looting, and firebombings.

According to LAPD data, violent crime is up 23% compared to the same period last year, and emergency response times have slowed dramatically in several districts.

In a televised interview on Friday, Hegseth told reporters he was “deeply concerned about the safety of American families in LA”, and confirmed that the Department of Defense was “actively reviewing options,” including the limited use of U.S. Marines to secure key infrastructure and assist local law enforcement under emergency authorization.

Newsom Reacts: “We Will Not Militarize California”

Governor Newsom responded swiftly and forcefully, holding a press conference on the steps of the state capitol to denounce the idea.

“Let me be clear: California will not become a testing ground for authoritarian impulse,” Newsom declared. “We will not militarize our streets. What Secretary Hegseth is proposing is not a solution—it’s a provocation.”

Newsom went on to suggest that Hegseth’s remarks reflected “a dangerously simplistic view of civil unrest,” accusing him of playing politics rather than seeking real solutions.

“The federal government should be working to support de-escalation, mental health services, and housing—not tanks and troops.”

Hegseth Fires Back: “Newsom Is the Problem”

In response, Hegseth took to social media and cable news to defend his stance—and escalate the feud.

“Newsom is deranged if he thinks ignoring chaos is leadership,” Hegseth said in an appearance on a conservative news network. “He’s failing the people of California, and now he wants to lecture the rest of us on responsibility?”

The Defense Secretary added that he “would not rule out federal action” if the situation continued to deteriorate and “lives were clearly at risk.”

Privately, Pentagon sources have confirmed that preliminary discussions are underway regarding a possible deployment of up to 1,000 Marines in a support capacity, though any final decision would require presidential authorization.

Divided Response in Los Angeles

The possibility of military involvement has sparked a fierce and divided reaction in LA itself. Mayor Karen Bass has so far remained neutral, calling the idea “deeply complex” and urging cooperation between state and federal leaders. But city council members have clashed, with some demanding federal intervention and others warning of a “second Kent State.”

Meanwhile, Angelenos are split. In a flash poll conducted by the Los Angeles Times, 47% supported temporary military presence to restore order, while 44% opposed it as “federal overreach.” The remaining 9% were undecided.

What Comes Next?

With the situation rapidly evolving, all eyes are now on President Biden, who has so far remained silent on the matter. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that the administration is “closely monitoring developments” and “committed to protecting civil liberties while ensuring public safety.”

As the standoff between Newsom and Hegseth continues to dominate headlines, some fear the political drama is overshadowing the real crisis on the ground.

“We’re caught between egos,” said one LA resident. “And meanwhile, we’re the ones living in fear every night.”

Whether or not troops end up on the streets of Los Angeles, one thing is clear: America is watching—and the stakes have never felt higher.