People hold signs during a demonstration, as part of nationwide protests in solidarity with Los Angeles protests against federal immigration sweeps, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
The mayor of Los Angeles was aghast Tuesday at President Donald Trump’s newest attack, in which he accused California officials of paying "troublemakers, agitators, and insurrectionists."
Trump escalated his feud with Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom during a speech earlier in the day at Fort Bragg. Trump's comments became the topic of discussion on Erin Burnett's show, "OutFront."
"I just want to give you a chance to respond to what President Trump said today," Burnett told Bass in an interview. "I know you've been in meetings all day, you may not have heard some of it. But he gave a prolonged speech at Fort Bragg, in which he talked about what's happening here in Los Angeles. When he was referring to you Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom, I’m going to quote it because I don’t know if you were fully connected and could hear it. But he said, and I’m quoting: 'They are incompetent, and they paid troublemakers, agitators, and insurrectionists. They are engaged in the willful attempt to nullify federal law and aid the occupation of the city by criminal invaders.”
Bass reacted midway through the comments with an elevated, "Whoa!"
"Wait — wait a minute. Are you telling me that he said we paid for the violence to take place? Is that what you just said?" she said, in disbelief.
"I’m just quoting to you what he said," Burnett replied, interviewing live from Los Angeles as sirens blared in the background. "As our Kristen Holmes reported, it’s sometimes unclear exactly what he means or is saying, but that is the quote of what he said."
Bass swiftly smacked down any such notion.
"Well, let me just say it is absolutely absurd that either myself or the governor would be supportive in any way, shape, or form to the vandalism and violence taking place in our city. I guess he has not heard any of my comments or any of my press conferences, because I have been abundantly clear that what is happening on our streets is unacceptable. When it is criminal behavior, people will be arrested and prosecuted," she insisted.
Bass also repeated her warning to people committing the vandalism: "Don’t think you're off scot-free if you sleep at home tonight. You might be at home tonight, but I can't guarantee you will be home tomorrow. Investigations take place. There is tons of video. You will be pursued and arrested."
"I don't know how much clearer I can be that this behavior will not be tolerated," she continued.
Bass' comments came after she said a decision would be made before nightfall on whether to institute a curfew for at least parts of the city.
Watch the clip below or at this link.