Wisconsin Republicans Criticize Gov. Tony Evers for Backing California Gov. Gavin Newsom Amid Federal Response to Protests

Wisconsin Republicans, including those considering running for governor in 2026, are criticizing Governor Tony Evers for supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom as he pushes back against President Donald Trump's decision to send armed troops into the state to respond to protests. The deployment of 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to Los Angeles is the first time in six decades that a president has called National Guard troops to respond to civil unrest without a governor's request for help. Democratic governors, including Evers, asserted their support for Newsom in a joint statement, saying that Trump's actions were an "alarming abuse of power."

Key Takeaways:

• President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to respond to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
• This is the first time in six decades that a president has called National Guard troops to respond to civil unrest without a governor's request for help.
• Democratic governors, including Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, released a joint statement criticizing Trump's actions as an "alarming abuse of power."
• Wisconsin Republicans, including those considering running for governor in 2026, have criticized Evers for supporting Newsom and condemned the "invasion of illegal immigrants" and "violent protests."
• Bill Berrien, a Wisconsin businessman and Navy veteran, has formed a PAC to advance conservative causes and to help Republicans win federal, state, and local elections.
• Josh Schoemann, the first GOP candidate to officially launch a 2026 campaign, criticized Evers for his handling of ICE activity in Wisconsin and declared "Tony's Gotta Go!!"

Statistics:

• 4,000: The number of National Guardsmen authorized for deployment to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump.
• 700: The number of Marines authorized for deployment to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump.
• 6 decades: The length of time since a president has called National Guard troops to respond to civil unrest without a governor's request for help.
• 1965: The year President Lyndon Johnson sent troops to Alabama to protect civil rights protesters.

Sources:

• "Wisconsin Republican Bill Berrien forms political committee" by Tom Kertscher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 14, 2025
• "Republican Josh Schoemann criticizes Evers, says he'll outwork others in governor's race" by Melanie Conklin, Wisconsin Examiner, May 23, 2025
• "Gov. Tony Evers calls White House border czar's threat over ICE guidance 'chilling'" by Melanie Conklin, Wisconsin Examiner, May 2, 2025
• "The clash between Evers and Trump's border czar explained" by Shawn Johnson, Wisconsin Public Radio, May 2025
• "Trump says he would 'do it' after White House border czar suggests arresting Newsom" by CBS News, June 2025
• "Newsom sues Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Department of Defense for illegal takeover of CalGuard unit" by California Government, June 2025