VP JD Vance Slams Newsom & Bass Mocks Padilla in LA Visit
During a four hour Los Angeles visit Vice President JD Vance attacked Gov Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass over immigration protests defended troop deployment and ignited backlash by misnaming Sen Alex Padilla .
LOS ANGELES June 20 2025 — In a controversial and highly choreographed visit to Los Angeles Vice President JD Vance launched pointed attacks on Democratic leaders Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass while drawing criticism for a high profile gaffe involving Senator Alex Padilla .
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Criticism of State and Local Leadership
During a 14 minute press conference restricted to national media Vance accused Newsom and Bass of creating a sanctuary atmosphere that fueled violent resistance to recent immigration enforcement actions He defended the deployment of 4000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines calling it completely legitimate following a federal court ruling in favor of continued federal authority .
Newsom’s office labeled the remarks categorically false pointing to his repeated denouncements of violence Mayor Bass condemned the troop deployment as a political stunt designed to spread fear rather than restore order .
Padilla Name Mix Sparks Backlash
During the Q&A Vance remarked I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here apparently confusing Senator Alex Padilla with Jose Padilla a convicted terrorist Critics viewed the slip as intentional Padilla’s office responded by calling it a cheap shot while Vance’s team later described it as a simple mix up of individuals who had broken the law .
Governor Newsom condemned the remark and challenged Vance to a public debate asserting the error was not an accident .
Political Messaging Behind the Visit
Vance arrived at LAX at 135 PM toured a federal operations center in Westwood and met with troops and media personnel before departing by 605 PM His remarks highlighted the administration’s firm stance on immigration amid recent protests and decreasing public unrest .
Despite curfews being lifted and protest activity waning Vance insisted the military presence remain in place citing potential resurgence of violence .