January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
WASHINGTON, June 12 — The White House stated on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will not tolerate “mob rule,” as demonstrations against his immigration policies continue to spread across the U.S., despite a military-backed crackdown in Los Angeles.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt placed blame on California's Democratic leaders, accusing them of exacerbating the unrest. “President Trump will never allow mob rule to prevail in America,” she said during a press briefing, where television screens displayed scenes of burning vehicles and masked protesters.
“The most fundamental responsibility of any government is to maintain law and order, and this administration takes that duty seriously,” she added.
Leavitt’s remarks echoed those made by Trump a day earlier at Fort Bragg military base, where he pledged to “liberate” Los Angeles and described the protesters as “animals.”
Tensions have escalated between the White House and California officials, who accuse Trump of using the protests for political gain and acting in an authoritarian manner by deploying thousands of troops. While most demonstrations have remained peaceful, isolated incidents of violence—such as the torching of autonomous taxis and stone-throwing at police—have prompted a heavy-handed response, including the use of tear gas and non-lethal weapons.
Leavitt accused California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of neglecting their duties. “Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass have disgracefully failed their constituents,” she said, further accusing Newsom of inciting unrest and vilifying ICE officers.
The protests began last week following a series of immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, part of Trump’s ongoing push for stricter immigration enforcement.
Trump has also labeled the protesters as “paid insurrectionists,” alleging that some were equipped with professional-grade riot gear. When pressed on who might be funding them, Leavitt responded, “It’s a valid question the president is raising, and one we are actively investigating.” — AFP
