Official DOD account accused of spreading propaganda by Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom is making serious accusations.
He claims an official account linked to the Pentagon is spreading misinformation.
Controversy Erupts Over Protest Imagery
The focus of the dispute centers on images shared online.
An account associated with the Department of Defense posted a video.
The video appeared to show scenes of burning police cars during recent protests in Los Angeles.
These protests followed recent immigration enforcement operations in the city.
Tensions have been high, leading to demonstrations across the nation.
Trump Administration Justifies Action in LA
Amid reports of unrest, President Trump authorized deploying National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles.
This decision was made without the consent of Governor Newsom.
The president’s rationale was clear: prevent Los Angeles from “burning to the ground.”
Administration officials have strongly defended the move as necessary to restore order.
They point to a history of challenges maintaining law and order in the city under current leadership.
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.
— Sean Parnell, Pentagon Chief Spokesperson
This strong statement from the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson directly pushes back on criticisms.
It frames the administration’s actions as stepping in where local officials are perceived to have failed.
The debate highlights fundamental disagreements over the handling of protests and civil unrest.
Reports of Real Violence Amidst Demonstrations
While the controversy over specific images continues, reports detail instances of significant violence and destruction during the recent LA protests.
Accounts mention arson, vandalism, and looting occurring.
Clashes with law enforcement have also been reported.
Protesters were reported to have set self-driving cars ablaze.
There were also instances of objects, including concrete and fireworks, being thrown at police officers.
Local businesses faced looting and vandalism, according to various reports.
These incidents underscore the chaotic nature of parts of the demonstrations.
They provide context for the administration’s argument about the need for a strong response.
Newsom’s Office Makes the Accusation
The official accusation from Governor Newsom’s office came via social media.
They specifically targeted the Department of Defense’s Rapid Response account on X.
The account, launched in February, states its mission includes “Fighting Against Fake News.”
Newsom’s office alleged the account was spreading “fake images” from older protests.
They claimed this was being done to justify the troop deployment.
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.
— California Governor’s Office
A fact-checking website analyzed the video in question.
Their analysis suggested the police cars shown in the video matched those seen during protests in May 2020, following the death of George Floyd.
They also highlighted other instances where protest footage shared online appeared to be from unrelated past events or locations.
The California Governor’s office echoed these findings online.
They warned social media users about “right-wing accounts” allegedly recycling old videos.
They stated this was an effort to justify what they termed “militarization” of Los Angeles.
The controversy over the images adds another layer to the heated debate between state and federal authorities regarding the response to the protests.
With further protests planned nationwide, authorities are preparing for potential large crowds and heightened security, reflecting the ongoing tensions.