California Governor Gavin Newsom Labels Trump ‘One of the Most Destructive Presidents’ in His Lifetime
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a stark critique of former President Donald Trump on Wednesday, calling him one of the “most destructive presidents and human beings” in his lifetime and warning that the American republic is facing a “real risk” of becoming unrecognizable. Speaking on The New York Times’ “The Ezra Klein Show,” Newsom did not mince words about the impact of Trump’s presidency, emphasizing the need for vigilance to protect democratic institutions.
“This guy is reckless,” Newsom said, underscoring his concerns about Trump’s approach to governance and the potential consequences for the nation’s political stability. The governor, a Democrat often mentioned as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election, lamented the erosion of norms and the complicity of various sectors in enabling what he described as crony capitalism.
Newsom criticized financial institutions, universities, law firms, and political leaders—across party lines—for “bending the knee” to Trump’s administration. Several elite universities and banking companies adjusted their policies this year amid threats from the Trump administration, including the possibility of losing federal funding, which Newsom cited as examples of this troubling trend. His remarks reflect broader concerns about the intersection of politics, money, and influence in American governance.
“I can’t stand the crony capitalism,” Newsom said. “I can’t stand the universities have done that, the law firms that have done that, individual corporate leaders that have done that, other governors, maybe Democrats and Republicans, that have been complicit at this moment.”
Newsom’s comments come as the country approaches a critical period marked by ongoing debates about election integrity and the future of American democracy. He expressed skepticism about the possibility of free and fair elections if efforts to counteract Trump’s influence are not sustained.
“We’ll not have a fair and free election if we don’t continue to fight,” Newsom said. “I’m the future ex-governor. Who the hell knows what happens the rest of my life? Except one thing I know that matters in the rest of my life is I have to look at my kids in the goddamn eye. I mean that seriously.”
Newsom’s vocal opposition to Trump dates back to the former president’s first term, and he has employed a variety of tactics to highlight his criticisms, including social media posts that mimic Trump’s distinctive style and AI-generated videos satirizing the former president and his allies.
His warnings echo concerns raised by numerous experts and officials about the challenges facing the republic. The U.S. Constitution establishes a framework designed to safeguard democratic principles, but Newsom’s comments suggest that those protections may be under threat.
As the nation continues to grapple with political polarization, Newsom’s remarks underscore the urgency felt by many leaders to defend democratic institutions. His critique aligns with broader discussions taking place in forums such as the Federal Election Commission and the Department of Justice, which monitor election integrity and investigate threats to the democratic process.
Newsom’s position also highlights the role of state leadership in countering national political challenges. California, as the most populous state, often sets trends in policy and political discourse. The governor’s outspoken stance may influence the dialogue ahead of future elections, particularly as debates over voting rights and election security intensify.
For more on the evolving political landscape and efforts to safeguard democracy, see resources from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which works to protect election infrastructure nationwide.
Governor Newsom’s comments add to a growing chorus of voices concerned about the direction of the country and the legacy of the Trump presidency. As the 2028 election cycle approaches, his warnings serve as a call to action for those who seek to uphold democratic values and ensure the resilience of the republic.
Leave a Reply