Politics
WATCH: CNN Panel Melts Down After Trump Rips ‘Insurrectionists’ Burning Down LA
During a live segment covering the intensifying chaos in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump dropped a word that sent the network’s panel into a tailspin: “insurrectionists.” Referring to the violent protesters who have torched vehicles, blocked highways, and hurled concrete at federal agents, Trump said Monday, “They’re bad people. They should be in jail.”
The moment came as Trump responded to questions about the federal response to days of unrest in the city following a series of high-profile ICE raids. “The people that are causing the problem are professional agitators, they’re insurrectionists, they’re bad people, they should be in jail,” Trump told reporters.
What followed was a visibly uncomfortable and chaotic reaction from the CNN panel. Anchor Dana Bash seemed stunned. “That word he used — they’re insurrectionists. I can’t imagine that that was an accident, because it seems as though that is the place that the White House is trying to get.”
“And for the president, it’s icing on the cake,” Bash said. “That he can do it in the state of California, because on a whole host of issues, he has had California — Gavin Newsom in particular — in his sights.”
Analyst Stephen Collinson nervously speculated on the legal implications of Trump’s language. “This is a very serious word being thrown around,” he said. “Insurrection is not something to be trifled with. If the President were to invoke the Insurrection Act, we’d have yet another legal morass.”
WATCH:
Trump’s use of the term was no throwaway line. It comes after he authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to the riots, which have featured freeway shutdowns, vehicle fires—including multiple Waymo autonomous vehicles—and attacks on federal agents with rocks and chunks of concrete. So far, 300 troops have arrived, and 500 Marines remain on standby at Camp Pendleton.
The unrest was triggered by coordinated ICE raids across the city’s Fashion District, Home Depot parking lots, and other public areas. Officials have confirmed over 44 arrests—though some reports say the number could be higher. But the protests quickly escalated beyond marches and chants.
Law enforcement reports confirm multiple attacks on officers, burning barricades, and blocked access to major interstates. According to federal officials, many protesters have refused to comply with dispersal orders and have actively resisted arrest.
California Governor Gavin Newsom lashed out at the federal action, calling it “unlawful,” “inflammatory,” and a breach of state sovereignty.
Tom Homan appeared on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” Monday and clarified that there had been “no discussion of arresting Newsom” within the Trump administration. Still, he added a warning: “no one is above the law.” Over the weekend, Newsom had challenged Homan directly, telling NBC News, “Come after me. Arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”
When asked Monday about Newsom daring Homan to arrest him, President Trump didn’t hesitate. “I would,” he said.
However, with 2026 midterms looming, the images of burning vehicles and chaos in blue cities may be exactly the narrative Trump intends to amplify.
