The chaos in Los Angeles this June brought an estimated $1 billion in damages directly linked to riots fueled by anti-deportation protests—all occurring under the watch of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. This is a staggering reality check for a state that has struggled with lawlessness and disorder while its leaders play political games.
Recently, the Small Business Administration (SBA) stepped in with a disaster aid program, enabling affected businesses to apply for loans of up to $2 million. This assistance comes after Newsom tried to deflect responsibility, blaming President Trump for deploying troops to restore order amidst the violence instead of taking action himself.
In a striking move, the SBA had to chastise Newsom publicly, urging him to stop prioritizing the interests of criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding citizens. It’s clear that the governor hesitated for far too long to request federal help, leaving small business owners to pick up the pieces as they watched their livelihoods crumple.
The damage tally isn’t just theoretical; city estimates suggest the riots resulted in at least $32 million in costs to Los Angeles, from emergency responses to lost tourism revenue. Yet, instead of owning up to his failures, Newsom’s office continues to blame the federal government—claiming it is Trump’s chaos that caused the devastation.
The SBA is also investigating the financial backing behind these riots, signaling that those responsible may face legal consequences. Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator, asserted that Newsom’s inaction allowed a mob mentality to prevail, prioritizing destabilization over the safety and security of his constituents.
The federal government’s decision to provide relief is a necessary, albeit delayed, response to the crisis. However, Newsom must accept accountability for his inadequate leadership, which has not only endangered public safety but has also severely impacted the economic well-being of Californians. It’s time for the governor to stop playing politics and start addressing the real needs of his people.
