House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., suggested a cruel and archaic form of punishment on Tuesday to deal with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pushback against the Trump administration’s efforts to maintain order in riot-ravaged Los Angeles.

When a reported asked Johnson, “Do you believe that Newsom should face consequences in a legal way?” the speaker responded: “That’s not my lane. I’m not going to give you legal analysis on whether Gavin Newsom should be arrested but he ought to be tarred and feathered, I’ll say that.”

Newsom immediately shot back, sarcastically replying: “Good to know we’re skipping the arrest and going straight for the 1700’s style forms of punishment. A fitting threat given the @GOP want to bring our country back to the 18th Century.”

Read more at Newsmax© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.