'Need to step back': DC insider explains why senator's arrest will backfire on Noem and Trump

14 June

Kristi Noem and Donald Trump

Democrats — along with many Never Trump conservatives — are rallying around Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) following a disturbing incident on Thursday, June 12 during a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Padilla was physically removed, thrown to the ground and handcuffed, although he was released and isn't facing any charges.

Later, Padilla commented that if MAGA Republicans are willing to treat a U.S. senator that way, imagine how migrant farm laborers are being treated.

In an op-ed published by The State on June 14, conservative David Mastio — a former speechwriter for the George W. Bush Administration and ex-editor for USA Today and the right-wing Washington Times — lays out some reasons why the treatment of Padilla is so "dangerous."

"(President Donald) Trump is right in keeping his promise to make the removal of undocumented immigrants an overwhelming national priority, but there is no way that arresting United States Senator Alex Padilla is in the same vein," Mastio argues. "Yeah, he was rude in interrupting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's disquisition on 'alien removal operations' in Los Angeles. But if rudeness were a crime, Donald Trump would have faced the electric chair long ago. Every U.S. citizen has the right to question public officials about government actions, but United States senators even more so."

Mastio continues, "Their job, like all members of Congress, is literally to oversee and question the executive branch on behalf of the particular interests of their state or district. If a senator can’t get a little frisky in raising questions, then nobody can. That's dangerous."

The former Bush Administration speechwriter argues that the treatment of Padilla sends out a message that peaceful dissent doesn't work.

"The danger is not that one older guy gets roughly handled; Padilla’s bruised arms and ego will recover," Mastio warns. "No, the danger is that peaceful protesters see that even staying within the bounds of the First Amendment gets you treated in exactly the same way as violent insurgents. Once they see that, some, maybe many, will join the protesters who are already bent on vandalism and violence. Once that happens, there are not enough National Guardsmen to bring order back to our cities…. The Trump Administration, led by the president and Kristi Noem, need to step back."

Mastio continues, "The treatment of Sen. Padilla will be a rallying cry and a recruiting tool for the rioters who threaten to get out of control. It was a mistake for Noem to allow this to happen."

David Mastio's full op-ed is available at this link.

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