President Trump craves attention and will stoop to any depth to grab it — even pour gasoline on a kindling fire in Los Angeles. But this time he unwittingly provided priceless attention for an adversary.

Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney says California Governor Gavin Newsom is “desperate” to get his name recognised so he can run for President of the United States in 2028.

I think we’re just really frustrated that he didn’t make the effort to come here,” said a 17-year-old high school student.

The California governor has leaned into opposing Trump’s actions in Los Angeles. The politics are tricky for potential 2028 presidential candidates.

Trump ignited a fight with Newsom after deploying thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to quell demonstrations protesting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the city. Trump has lashed out at Newsom, suggesting earlier this week that the sitting governor should be arrested.

The governor's press office has been in overdrive, posting memes mocking critics and comparing Trump to a Star Wars villain.

California’s Governor, already considered a 2028 Democratic presidential contender, has embraced the role of Trump adversary.

Independent political analyst Aidan Smith says California Governor Gavin Newsom is using the Los Angeles riots to shoot himself into “political stardom”.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has clashed with several GOP officials over the hostile LA protests from Vice President JD Vance to U.S. Senator Tom Cotton.

Amid immigration raids, peaceful protests, attacks on law enforcement officers and the threat of his own arrest by federal agents, California Gov.