House Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent call for California Governor Gavin Newsom to be “tarred and feathered” has ignited a firestorm in American politics. The phrase, which conjures images of brutal public humiliation from a bygone era, was used in the heat of escalating tensions between federal and state authorities over immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Johnson made the remarks during a press conference with House Republican leaders, slamming Newsom for what he described as obstruction of federal law and siding against federal agents during ongoing demonstrations.
The controversy flared up as President Donald Trump deployed thousands of additional troops to Los Angeles amid chaotic protests against immigration raids. Newsom responded by calling the move a “deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president,” and his administration swiftly sued the federal government for sending troops without the governor’s permission. The governor’s defiance and Johnson’s inflammatory language have placed the phrase “tarred and feathered” at the heart of a national debate about political rhetoric, federalism, and the limits of executive power.
Historical Echoes of “Tarred and Feathered”
Being “tarred and feathered” was historically a punishment designed to inflict both physical pain and public shame. Originating in medieval Europe and adopted in America during the colonial era, the practice involved stripping a person, covering them in hot tar, and rolling them in feathers, leaving victims humiliated and physically scarred.
Johnson’s use of this archaic phrase was clearly intended as hyperbole, but it has sparked outrage and concern about the normalization of violent political rhetoric. Critics argue that such language crosses a dangerous line, especially when directed at a sitting governor by a top federal official. Newsom’s supporters have condemned the remarks as reckless and divisive, while some Republicans have doubled down on the need for stronger federal enforcement, even as they distance themselves from the speaker’s choice of words.
The phrase “tarred and feathered” in 2025 highlights how deeply historical symbols of retribution and humiliation still resonate in American political discourse. It also underscores the widening divide between red and blue states over issues like immigration and law enforcement.
A War of Words and Authority
The standoff between Gavin Newsom and the Trump administration is about more than just immigration. It is a clash of ideologies, a test of federal versus state authority, and a struggle for the political soul of California. Newsom, who has been reluctant to embrace a full-throated resistance to Trump, found himself thrust into the spotlight as the president’s actions pushed him to the front lines of Democratic opposition.
Newsom’s response has been defiant. He dared Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, to arrest him, saying, “Come and get me, tough guy.” This show of bravado has energized Democratic supporters and positioned Newsom as a potential national leader for the party. The governor’s willingness to challenge federal authority—and to face the consequences—has only amplified his profile, especially among progressives seeking a strong counterweight to Trump’s policies.
The “tarred and feathered” controversy has also raised questions about the limits of political speech. While Johnson and other Republicans have stopped short of calling for Newsom’s arrest, their rhetoric has inflamed tensions and drawn attention to the increasingly personal nature of political conflict in the United States. Trump, for his part, has praised the idea of arresting Newsom, saying, “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great.”
Why “Tarred and Feathered” Still Resonates
The phrase “tarred and feathered” is more than just a relic of the past. In today’s polarized climate, it serves as a potent symbol of the anger and frustration that define much of American politics. For many, it represents a rejection of compromise and a willingness to use extreme language to score points against opponents. For others, it is a reminder of the dangers of dehumanizing political adversaries and the risks of escalating rhetoric.
As the standoff between Newsom and the federal government continues, the phrase is likely to remain in the headlines. It has become shorthand for the broader conflict over immigration, law enforcement, and the balance of power between Washington and the states. The debate is not just about policy but about how Americans talk to—and about—each other in times of crisis.
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