Gavin Newsom Accuses Trump Administration of Spreading Fake Protest Images [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jun 14, 2025 at 5:24 AM EDT | Updated Jun 14, 2025 at 10:01 AM EDT


California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused the Trump administration of deliberately spreading doctored and misleading images of recent protests in Los Angeles.

On X, formerly Twitter, the Department of Defense's Rapid Response account posted a video that appeared to show burning, graffitied police cars during protests in Los Angeles this week. However, the fact-checking website Snopes said the image showed protests in Los Angeles following the death of George Floyd in May 2020.

The governor's office wrote on X on Friday: "HUGE DEVELOPMENT: An official Department of Defense account is spreading fake images—from old protests—to justify Trump's illegal militarization of Los Angeles. This isn't just disinformation. It's a propaganda campaign from the Pentagon."

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, told Newsweek in response: "Gavin Newsom has let L.A. burn to the ground on so many occasions, it's hard to distinguish between all the lawlessness, violence, and chaos throughout the last few years. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are stepping up to protect federal law-enforcement officers and federal property—even if Gavin Newsom will not." Newsweek has contacted Newsom's office for comment via email.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/gavin-newsom-trump-fake-protest-images-2085492