Democrats wondering why their party’s approval rating is in the tank – and why their coalition of voters is disintegrating around them – need look no further than the response to the riots that have rocked Los Angeles in recent days.
Since the violence began on Friday, the country has witnessed a redux of the gaslighting campaign that accompanied the Black Lives Matter riots of 2020. Even as images of masked individuals waving Mexican flags in front of burning cars flooded social media, the legacy press and Democrat politicians described chaos as “demonstrations” and the arsonists as “anti-ICE protesters.” In a follow-up act to its infamous “fiery but mostly peaceful” chyron from five years ago, CNN downplayed the situation as “lawful protest with some unrest.”
Democrat leaders have failed to offer even a façade of support for law enforcement facing what is best described as an insurrection on the streets of America’s second-largest city. As mobs of people, many of them illegal aliens who have no right to be in this country, throw rocks at police officers, set off commercial-grade fireworks in the street, spit on and burn the American flag, and spray paint “death to America” on buildings, Democrats have unified behind the narrative that President Donald Trump is the real “threat” here for using his constitutional authority to restore law and order.
California Governor Gavin Newsom incredibly claimed that Trump “manufactured” the crisis. Every other Democrat Governor then joined Newsom on a statement condemning Trump for calling up the National Guard – even after LA’s own police chief admitted his force was “overwhelmed.” LA Mayor Karen Bass blamed ICE raids for starting the riots in the first place, but also maintained that “things in LA are calm” as cop cars were burning in the street.
In Congress, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed Newsom and Bass in claiming Trump was “intentionally” inciting violence. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, called deployment of the National Guard “unnecessary, inflammatory, and provocative.”
This reaction from liberal leaders is perhaps the most jaw-dropping display yet of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” – and it’s not likely to win back any voters the party lost last November. A CBS poll out last week shows that 54 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s deportation efforts. Another Harvard-Harris poll from March found that 75 percent of Americans support deporting illegal aliens with criminal records.
Polls aside, Democrats’ response to the violence has shown they learned nothing from Trump’s historic victory in 2024. What Democrats are signaling – loudly and without apology – is that our immigration laws should not be enforced if doing so might upset the mob.
This message is as chilling as it is absurd: if ICE attempts to carry out the law, and left-wing agitators riot in response, it’s the fault of the law – not the lawbreakers. This is the political equivalent of telling the fire department not to put out a blaze because it might inflame the arsonist who set it.
By blaming President Trump and ICE for “provoking” riots through standard law enforcement activity, Democrats are effectively saying that the United States government must govern in constant fear of how the radical fringe might react. That logic leads to anarchy, not order. And Americans know it.
The basic function of government is to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law. That duty is not conditional. It is not suspended because someone waves a foreign flag and threatens violence if deportation orders are carried out.
But to today’s Democrats, that’s exactly what should happen. They are arguing that the laws passed by Congress should be subordinated to the feelings and fury of illegal aliens and the leftist activists who support them. They’re handing the mob a veto over national policy.
This is precisely why the Democrat Party is shedding voters. Americans of all backgrounds – black, white, Hispanic, Asian – now understand what’s at stake. They want safety in their neighborhoods. They want schools to be free of violence. They want borders that mean something. And they want the laws on the books enforced fairly and consistently. What they’re seeing in Los Angeles is the opposite of that.
The LA riots have further crystallized the choice facing the American people. Do we want a country with laws, or not? Trump is enforcing the law. The rioters are breaking it. Democrats are siding with the lawbreakers because they’d rather burn everything down than admit he’s doing the right thing. It’s political spite taken to the point of civilizational sabotage.
Republicans should make absolutely sure that voters from coast to coast understand what this means. Every Democrat on the ballot this year and next year should have to answer for what’s happening in LA. Where are their statements condemning the violence? Where is the defense of law enforcement? Where is the outrage over American flags being torched in our own cities?
There has been none. Because deep down, most Democrats aren’t troubled by what’s happening – they’re just troubled that Americans are watching, knowing that if they vote Democrat, next time the flames might be in their city.
Shane Harris is the Editor in Chief of AMAC Newsline. You can follow him on X @shaneharris513.
It’s amazing how similar the LA “peaceful protests” mirror the Paris “peaceful protests” of last weekend or the London “peaceful protests” of the week before. With one major exception: President Trump stepped in in the case of LA to prevent the situation from escalating out of control like they did in the two other cities.
There is no doubt that the Democrats want to re-create the so-called Summer of Love riots of 2020 across as many Democrat cities as they can in 2025, but this time when the local Democrat Governors or Mayors decide to sit on their collective hands or order their local police to stand down, the response is going to be a lot different from the federal government.
As for Democrat politicians all wanting to get arrested, that is all talk on their part. Newsom, Bass and the rest of weak-kneed leftist political class just want publicity. Their 15 minutes of fame, that they can rerun for months on CNN or MSNBC as “heroes of the revolution”. They may talk tough, but they won’t do one thing that would be a clear crossing of the red line between talk and illegal action. Newsom is NOT going to wade into the street crowds and risk mussing his hair for the TV cameras in order to be photographed hurling a rock or anything else at local police, ICE or the national guard.
I hope to high Heaven Tom Homan accepts the challenge by Newsom to arrest him.
Moreover, I hope his FUBAR policies nukes his chance of ever seeking higher office.
Mexican oil fields should be seized to pay for this until all their illegals return.
California burning is the result of applying the existing law according to officials of the city. Leave the invaders and criminals, murderers and rapists alone and you’ll have order and peace eternal, is that what they mean, I believe it when they all dismiss the personal protection and escorts. When they move out from secure protected communities and live among those they try to protect, when they have few of them living in their specious homes. This is not as shocking as the fact that voter had not tossed them out years ago. Newsom belongs in prison for abetting and aiding criminals. For abandoning his duty to Californians.
Gavin Newsom wants to be president. GOD help us and give us strength. He did nothing for California, so now he wants to destroy our country. He’s just a tool and seems to be useless, too.
It is clear that the current Democratic Party does not care about “We the People”. How could they when they choose paid insurrectionists over local voters, criminals over local constituents, and take their money from sources that love violence and anarchy? They have not allowed the people of America any say at all. They refuse to let our choice govern. It must stop.
I used to get concerned about how the media reports things and how the Democrat leadership tries to gaslight the American people, but now I say “Bring it on!” More and more people are seeing through all the BS and know they are being lied to. The more they lie, the more the American people are waking up.
This is bigger than the dems. This is world Wide ala Sol Alinsky and how to overthrow capitalism. Who is funding this? Notice the shields they carry. this is not something you grab in your garage. Printed signs, and organized rioting. Paid rioters to stir up more trouble and waiting for the good guys to make one mistake. This is part of the riots that started years ago on Wall Street. BLM is also involved. Unless the media starts telling the truth, we might not stand chance.
Democrats are enemies to America and what America stands for! They support invasion of over 10 million people walking into our country! They support murders, gang members stealing tax payers money they need to answer for what they have done!
The MEGA CORRUPT DEMORATS create, thrive and encourage chaos, confusion and violence. They want and love it when violent, flag-burning, anti-America protesters vandalize, burn, and destroy businesses, attack innocent Americans, and set cities and properties on fire. THEY are the EVIL ENEMIES WITHIN.
– The Democrats Platform: Get Trump
– Their plans for America: Get Trump.
– Their goal to reduce inflation: Get Trump
– Their solution to grow the economy: Get Trump.-
– Their foreign policy: Get Trump.
– Their vision for Americans: Get Trump.
Demorats HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING POSITIVE TO OFFER AMERICA OR AMERICANS.
The Democrats the slave owners started the Civil War yes they were the Confederates. They started the Klu Klux Clan, the Jim Crow Laws…, the destruction of Black Lives Matter riots, etc. The Democrats are the Law Less Party, and LA is just the latest rendition.
This is war in LA. All the warmongers wear black with masks and hoodies and Mexican flags. American flags were burned. They all should be arrested and locked up as POW and then returned to their country they love so much. Mexico.
The democrats are not swaying from their policy to destroy America, by destroying Trump. He is the object of their hatred once they get him out of the way America is next. Why? Because he is a leader, a statesman, he can get things done. This is their last effort to eliminate him by waging a civil war in the name of pro migration and pro trans, pro Ukraine and pro illegals that enter our country. Against Trump and MAGA, closed borders, border wall, against parents raising their children, ole Joe said he could do a better job. Yes they all become drug addicts if he was in charge. Against a strong economy, but loved inflation, spending money on supporting trans surgeries, books, music. Arresting those who spoke up against this debauchery. President Trump has to prevail or the Tampon Timmies in tge democrat party will destroy this country like Tampon Timmy did with Minneapolis in 2020 and let these so called white racists peacefully demonstrate while Minneapolis burned. Like Newsom and Bass let LA burn and blame Trump. Come on people take your blinders off. You see what’s going on. The warmongers were given gas masks this morning. These are not demonstrators, protesters these people are bent on destroying LA and along with Newsom and Bass daring Trump to do something about it. Then when he does they fault him for the war and escalation. Communism is here folks. The democrats are a front for the globalist billionaires in Davos. “By 2030 you will own nothing but you will be happy”. Quote by Klaus Schwab, creator of the WEF.
They’re definitely not the party of John F. Kennedy.
they want to get rid of the government they hate the middle class can you imagine politicians or 99% OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES Having to do their job well or get canned like most of americans
Democrats continue to shoot themselves in the foot.
This is very easy. Democrats in Congress are very well insulated from the riots. They live good neighborhoods and enjoy both security provided by Capitol Police and substantial private security at taxpayer expense. They don’t care about the people who live in these neighborhoods. Those people do not donate to the dems campaigns they don’t control the democrat’s narrative spun by the democrats propaganda machine and broadcast on nearly all available media outlets. These people simply don’t matter to the political elite and the big business interests who believe they should be running the world (think WEF).
President Trump and republicans in general believe that all citizens are entitled to live, work and travel in safe neighborhoods. A safe environment is the most basic requirement for a good education and a productive workforce. The Country needs smart and productive people and none of us have any idea if the next “Elon Musk” will be a kid from a poor family in downtown LA or a farm kid from the middles of nowhere Montana. Provide everyone a safe environment and a good education and we can all expect the United States to flourish!
Sadly the dems disagree and are always flailing the water dreaming of some kind of change. Sorry but a very large majority of the American People cherish the freedom we have been provided by those who came before us and thrive on the thought that with some hard work we can provide a better life for ourselves and our families!
Gov. Newsome and his cohorts are more interested in political power than the lives of their constituents and those Law enforcement officers who protect them.
He/they have forgotten and ignored the very basic of human core values, just 2 simple words “Thank You” Mr. President for helping to keep us safe.
Deep down Socialism isn’t about you and I, or our welfare it’s all about those in power staying there
isn’t it (no) thanks to you, Gov Newsome.
To make it simple, the reason the rotten, radical liberals are violent and attack all things good is because they are no longer in charge and they just cannot get over losing to a strong man who loves this country. It matters no what Trump proposes, they will be against it. Their level of hate and violence for the U.S. and we, the people is appalling and our federal government will have to take a strong stand against these blue state’s mayors and governors. If one of them lands in a federal jail, the others will probably back off. It is only the Democrat-lead states that are initiating and allowing these riots.
The democrats have lost touch with America, that they are the problem for funding the anti-ice riots! Lack of respect for law inforcement fits Kamala Harris touch! Does Soros involve?
Let’s face it! The DIMMs are for bad actors, both domestic and foreign. They love ChiComs and Hamas terrorists. They love illegal immigrants, even those with long police records. They bow before racist poverty-pimps like Al Sharpton and the totally ignorant AOC, Ilhan, and “Jazzy.”
Democrats are destined for history’s dumpster….and well earned…. The party died by suicide….
Great article to clear the minds of those in the dark. It is very clear that the Democrats has lost their minds and they are insulting the intelligence of the American people with their lies, deceptions and distortions of the truth. This party will follow the WHIG’s party’s demise as more of their loyalists wakes up to the truth.
Wonderful comments and a good article. Every single one of those arested needs to be on the hook for their % of the cost to the city, fire departments, law enforcement, garbage services, the government, and the national guard. Part of the cost of being a domestic terrorist. For example; if these folks did $2 million in damages and 100 people were arrested, before they get let out on their own recognizance they have to pay $20,000. I should NOT have one thin dime of my hard earned tax dollars go toward their destruction.
Why are all the smartest guys in the room independents not causing a up roar in Northern California?? Where is all that talk about splitting the state in half ? Stop flapping your lips and cut the state in half . Can’t the guard afford water cannon trucks to put out the flames and wash off the buildings with kill America on it and wash any other filth into the gutter ??
We should charge each and every democrat for this destruction. Both lawfully and monetarily. Now, who pays for their summer of fun? We do. How much does a car costs, a street costs to repave, windows cost, the police presence cost? Which, the police are only there to make sure the dems aren’t stopped from their destruction.
I’m not a Law Enforcement Officer, or an Active Duty member of the Armed Forces. That said. My sympathies lie with those brave souls.
I had a thought I’d like to share.
If we agree that what these paid agitators are doing is unlawful. then we should agree that they should not be allowed to slip away without being apprehended and forced To face consequences.
So, my thought: block the side streets as needed. Use water cannon on the crowd, with a twist. Don’t use just water; infuse it with dye, so that even if they break out of the barriers and flee, they will still be readily identifiable for a week or so later. Round ’em up as you find ’em. If you nab somebody who has already been arraigned, let go. If they are not yet in the system, process them. When all is calm again, total up the expense, losses, damage, etc. Bill or fine them for their fair share. Incarcerate all who warran’t it. Fine those others so there is no free ride for creating, supporting, or spreading this chaos.
Dems are always wrong as a football bat. The lack of focus is always significant.
I can’t say anything better than ‘THINKING”, DIANE M., or PaulE. I do pray GOD SAVE AMERICA.
The Democrats have the mind set of the jackal. They are opportunistic, predators who practice Nihilism, which is a philosophy that rejects godly values. They worship the god of this world, Satan, and follow him faithfully in hate, murder and lies. Furthermore, they have no meaningful lives because they are losers.
They are the modern brown shirts (SA) that we saw in Germany ninety years ago of the red guard of Mao of red china.
Every rock thrown, every building defaced by graffiti, every blockage of traffic, every fire set, these are all crimes which must be punished. If any illegal immigrant participates and is identified by the ubiquitous cameras, ultimately he or she must be elevated to the top of the deportation list! I think Tom Homan is aware of this and I pray that he will make it happen!
Gated community liberals like Pelosi live behind walls to protect themselves from the messes they make on the other side.
Wilderness I’m not sure. Don’t see this in local and congressional elections. 2026 will show if half the county’s voters have left the Dems socialism.
The modern Democrat party share the same wish to destroy the United States as their1861 counterparts. A mistake was made then to restore the Democrats to citizenship. This mistake has festered for 160 years. The Democrats never stopped waging war against the U. S., and they probably never will. There appears to be only one way to end treason and kindness ain’t it.
A 50cal. machine gun would do a nice job in ending these riots!!
The people in California are getting what they deserve. They voted in these idiot liberal politicians, they voted to make illegal aliens have benefits like citizens, they knew what they were voting for, they voted for DEI, socialism, and all the other screwed up things their “leaders” do, or don’t do. Screw them, let LA burn! Let CA burn! Put military roadblocks at every road leaving CA, except the Mexican border, have the Coast Guard and Navy secure the CA coastline. Anyone that wants to leave CA must prove they are a US citizen, if not arrest them and deport. Squeeze CA into compliance, stop all flights into or out of CA, stop all shipments of food/water and medicines to CA, and all imports into the CA harbor will have to dock in another state. Starve them into compliance, force them to give up, and beg the rest of the country to save them. California and Los Angeles, let it all burn, when there’s nothing left maybe they will go away. But Californians did this to themselves, consciously voting for bad politicians. Elections have consequences, and California is getting a good taste of that this year.
The Democrats haven’t learned from the last election because they believe they are morally and intellectually superior and as such, they know what’s best for everyone else. You and I are too stupid to know what’s best for us, so how can they be wrong? How could it be their fault they lost the Presidential election? No, in their minds, it’s the fault of “misled” voters who were “stupid” enough to vote for Trump.
They are afraid Trump will actually succeed, so they are doing their best to sabotage his efforts. I believe these “demonstrations” are a Democrat setup, designed to cause him to call out the National Guard and the Marines (as they know he will) so that the “demonstrators” can look like martyrs and make Trump look bad.
Just my 2 cents worth.
We can’t call the fire dept because it might anger the arsonists.
Trump needs to declare Marital Law in California and send Newsom to Gitmo
Trump derangement
As those reading AMAC (and AARP) newsletters die off, the Democrats intend to replace them with drones of illegal immigration euphemistically termed economically imported newcomer migrants. Brought in by the millions. Serfs, willing to work longer hours for lower wages and politically dependent on their masters who will grant them amnesty and citizenship in return for perpetual block voting for Democrats.
AMEN, Mr. Harris!
Sure, why not let this continue to happen? Maybe California will burn itself into the Pacific Ocean and give the rest of the country an addition by subtraction. How does 49 states sound with a new American Flag?
Saw this with te LA riots in Watts many yrs ago. History not learned repeats itself.
Abhorrent! Truly horrid what these rioters are doing. Waving the Mexican flag is so disrespectful to Mexico. If I was Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Prado, I would be furious!
FURTHER: A quote from Google:
President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the Army to control mobs during the Little Rock Crisis in 1957, specifically at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce a federal court order to desegregate the school..gov
Now how would these Democrats react if patriots showed up with their weapons ???? I am sure they would not be too happy !!!!! I guess Trump would be blamed for that as well !!!! But the bright side is that the democrats haven’t learned anything !!!! With mid terms coming up is a good thing !!!!!!
May the dem’s path to vindication remain strewn with rakes.
It is amazing how the Democrats can snap back from condemning lawlessness when it serves their purpose.
What is the status of this big “parade” to be lead by President Trump honoring our armed forces? I just saw an article that maps all the cities in which protests are scheduled. It appears there are very many spreading across the country. If Los Angeles is an example of what could happen, the outcome can not be good
See LA fires too NO response there
Pres. Trump is doing what he promised to do, to protect us. Democrats’ actions is to endanger us by keeping their loyalty and protection to illegals who are hurting us, and violating their oath of office to protect us. Traitors, Ingrates and liars is what defines them now.