In a surprising twist that’s catching both liberals and conservatives off guard, Rick Caruso—the billionaire developer and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate—is making headlines for breaking from Donald Trump’s hardline stance on recent protests and immigration.
And it’s not sitting well with the conservative crowd that once backed him.
Defending Migrants and Dismissing Emergency Claims
Caruso, who lost the 2022 mayoral race to Karen Bass and has long been critical of California’s left-leaning leadership, took to X (formerly Twitter) to push back against Trump’s narrative.
As riots flared across LA, Trump ordered the National Guard into the city. But Caruso wasn’t having it.
“There is no emergency, widespread threat, or out of control violence in Los Angeles,” he posted on Sunday, suggesting Trump’s move was unnecessary and overblown.
Speaking Out for the Undocumented
Caruso didn’t stop there. In a bold move that turned heads, he also expressed support for undocumented immigrants who’ve lived in the U.S. for years and have contributed to their communities.
“It’s time to do what is right,” he wrote. “Undocumented people who have been here for years, with no criminal record, and who are helping our economy, should have a path to citizenship.”
He urged policymakers to have a real conversation about immigration reform—a stance that quickly drew backlash from his usual allies.
A History of Criticizing California Leadership
This wasn’t the Caruso people were expecting.
Earlier this year, he was among the loudest critics of LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom when wildfires raged across the region.
He called their handling of the crisis a “total failure” and likened Los Angeles to a “third-world country.”
So, when he didn’t come out swinging this time, it threw many for a loop.
“Didn’t See That One Coming”
Social media lit up with reactions to Caruso’s unexpected pivot.
One user simply summed it up: “Didn’t see that one coming from Caruso.”
But Caruso stood firm, even as some accused him of flipping sides.
He even criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for removing Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship, calling it “shameful”—a move that further distanced him from right-wing circles.
From Centrist to Controversial Figure
When he ran for mayor, Caruso was seen as a centrist—someone who could appeal to moderates in deep-blue LA while still earning respect from conservatives.
But his latest statements are putting that delicate balance at risk.
Despite backlash, Caruso didn’t back down. In a Monday interview with LA Morning News, he doubled down on criticizing Trump’s handling of the protests—though he did adjust his message slightly.
Standing by His Words—With a Caveat
“What I said in that post may have been provocative,” Caruso admitted.
“Because, unfortunately, in Los Angeles, we do have agitators—people who are just looking for a reason to riot.”
He criticized the city’s approach to accountability, saying protesters weren’t being arrested or were being quickly released without consequence.
Still, he maintained that the National Guard wasn’t the solution.
“We shouldn’t be defaulting to the National Guard just because we can’t manage our own streets,” he argued. “We need a strong LAPD with the right protocols to handle these situations.”
Violence on the Streets Continues
As LA prepared for its fourth consecutive night of unrest, the situation remained tense.
Monday night took a dramatic turn when a mystery donor was spotted handing out tactical gear—gas masks and riot shields—from her pickup truck.
The chaos started Friday after a wave of anti-ICE protests erupted in response to recent immigration raids.
Protesters clashed with police, set vehicles on fire, and voiced anger over deportations they say are unjust.
Caruso’s Company Keeps Quiet
As criticism mounts, Caruso’s real estate company has yet to issue a statement.
For now, it seems the businessman-turned-political-firestarter is standing alone—unapologetic, unfiltered, and firmly in the center of LA’s latest storm.