Senator John Kennedy stunned viewers during a fiery Fox News appearance, launching a scathing attack on Governor Gavin Newsom, calling him “a sheep in sheep’s clothing.” But what really caught attention was what came next: Kennedy warned that the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles weren’t about protest—they were about “wolves.” What exactly did he mean? And what’s really unfolding in LA’s streets that led to such a chilling comparison?
“Wolves in the Streets”: Senator John Kennedy Unleashes Blistering Attack on Gavin Newsom Amid LA ICE Riots
In one of the most pointed political tirades of 2025, Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana took direct aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom during a Fox News appearance this week. As Los Angeles continues to reel from days of violent anti-ICE protests, Kennedy did not mince words—describing the chaos as the result of weak leadership and branding Newsom “a sheep in sheep’s clothing.”
The remark was cutting—and it immediately went viral.
A City on Edge
The backdrop to Kennedy’s takedown was the eruption of violence in Los Angeles following a new wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants. Protesters flooded the streets, with some demonstrations escalating into full-blown riots. Storefronts were smashed, cars set ablaze, and police were pelted with bottles and firecrackers.
More than 200 arrests were made over the weekend, and both state and federal law enforcement officials remain on high alert. President Trump ordered the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard troops and nearly 700 Marines to restore order—prompting backlash from California officials, who accused the administration of overreach.
But for Senator Kennedy, the issue wasn’t the troops—it was Newsom’s failure to lead.
Kennedy’s Blistering Rebuke
“I don’t think this situation is particularly complicated,” Kennedy told Fox News host Jesse Watters. “We have a wolf problem in Los Angeles. They’re not peaceful protesters—they’re wolves.”
It was the kind of blunt statement Kennedy has become known for, often blending down-home rhetoric with political venom. But the senator didn’t stop there.
“And Gavin Newsom? He’s not a wolf. He’s not even pretending to be one. He’s a sheep in sheep’s clothing.”
The line sparked gasps on social media—and headlines across the country. While some viewed it as an unfair jab, others saw it as a brutally honest assessment of what they view as the governor’s passive response to escalating lawlessness.
Newsom Pushes Back
Governor Newsom, in turn, accused the Trump administration—and its allies like Kennedy—of using California as a “political prop.” In a press conference Monday, he announced that California would file a legal challenge against the federal deployment of troops, arguing that it violated state sovereignty and inflamed tensions further.
“We’re not going to let our streets be turned into military theater,” Newsom said. “And we’re not going to be lectured by politicians who don’t understand our communities.”
Mayor Karen Bass echoed the governor’s remarks, warning that federal intervention had only escalated the violence and blurred the line between protest and provocation.
Divided Reactions Nationwide
Kennedy’s comments have split public opinion. Supporters say he told the truth others were too afraid to admit—that the riots are out of control, and local leadership has failed to protect citizens and property.
Critics, however, say Kennedy’s language was inflammatory and dismissive of the many peaceful protesters calling for immigration reform and justice for immigrant families caught in the ICE raids.
“This isn’t about wolves or sheep—it’s about human rights,” said ACLU spokesperson Maria Gutierrez. “Reducing this complex issue to name-calling only deepens division.”
A Larger Political Battle
The war of words between Kennedy and Newsom highlights a deeper national rift—over immigration, states’ rights, and the balance between protest and public order. It’s a preview of the battles ahead as the 2026 midterms approach, with both parties using the LA riots as a political litmus test.
Kennedy, 73, has long been one of the Senate’s most colorful voices. But in an era of high-stakes political theater, his voice is no longer just colorful—it’s strategic. With his words now echoing in campaign ads and policy debates, Kennedy’s takedown of Newsom may be more than a headline—it may be a line in the sand.
As Los Angeles grapples with unrest and the nation watches with unease, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about a city in crisis. It’s about who controls the narrative—and who steps up when the streets start to burn.
