Nancy Pelosi just made it clear: she’s more interested in defending chaos than condemning it.
During a press conference, the California Democrat brushed aside the violent anti-ICE riots that have rocked Los Angeles, referring to images of burning vehicles and shattered windows as possibly being due to “the exuberance of the moment.”
That’s right—fireworks launched at police, businesses looted, law enforcement officers assaulted, and cars torched are now being framed as a spontaneous burst of joy.
“When there is a gathering, a large gathering of people, the anarchists see it as an opportunity and they move in,” Pelosi said. “Whether you see a burned car or a broken window… it may be the exuberance of the moment.”
Social media, however, paints a far different picture.
Videos show rioters hurling projectiles from overpasses, ripping up sidewalks, firing fireworks at police on horseback, and defacing autonomous Waymo vehicles. Looters have stormed businesses, and foreign flags—including Mexico’s—have become a recurring symbol in the streets.
Pelosi’s tone-deaf response follows a disturbing pattern from Democrat leaders who consistently downplay violence when it serves their political narrative. This time, the excuse is “exuberance.”
In stark contrast, President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to restore order. Over the weekend, he federalized 2,000 members of the California National Guard to assist ICE and law enforcement in regaining control of the city.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced Monday that an additional 2,000 Guardsmen are being mobilized to support federal officers and ensure public safety.
“At the order of the President,” Parnell wrote on X, “the Department of Defense is mobilizing an additional 2,000 California National Guard to be called into federal service to support ICE & to enable federal law-enforcement officers to safely conduct their duties.”
Democrat leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. Adam Schiff, quickly condemned Trump’s response as “dangerous” and “inflammatory.”
But Americans are watching. They see who is restoring law and order—and who is defending rioters.
Pelosi’s remarks drew swift backlash online, with many pointing out that this isn’t the first time the left has downplayed urban chaos. From the 2020 “mostly peaceful protests” to the current anti-ICE riots, the pattern is clear: property damage, attacks on law enforcement, and widespread anarchy are tolerable to Democrats—if they fit the narrative.
This isn’t “exuberance.” It’s criminal.
And thanks to President Trump, law enforcement is finally being allowed to do its job. The only thing standing in the way? Politicians like Nancy Pelosi who would rather excuse destruction than enforce accountability.