What is Newsom thinking?!?
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, didn’t hold back in his criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom, labeling him as a “slick” politician with a self-serving agenda who is more concerned with advancing his career than actually leading his state.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Portnoy expressed his disdain, calling Newsom “trash” and someone who embodies the negative stereotypes associated with political figures. “I hate him,” Portnoy stated. “He’s everything you think of when you imagine a slick politician—you need a cold shower after talking to him.”
Newsom recently announced the launch of a new podcast where he plans to engage in “real conversations” with people he disagrees with, as well as those he admires. The podcast aims to break away from typical political rhetoric, offering more direct interaction with listeners. While this may sound like an attempt at transparency, Portnoy wasn’t impressed. He quickly dismissed the initiative as yet another publicity stunt.
Portnoy, who once received an invitation to appear on Newsom’s “Politickin” podcast, revealed he turned it down, saying, “I just don’t like the guy.” His distaste for the governor grew during the pandemic, particularly after the hypocrisy of Newsom’s actions became evident. Portnoy was infuriated when Newsom attended a lavish dinner at the French Laundry in November 2020, violating the very lockdown rules he imposed on Californians.
Portnoy slammed Newsom’s hypocritical behavior, arguing, “California had the strictest lockdowns in the country, and then you see the governor dining at a fancy restaurant with no mask while telling people to stay home. It’s rules for thee, not for me, and it drives me crazy.”
Beyond his criticism of Newsom’s handling of the pandemic, Portnoy also took issue with the governor’s priorities. “The state is falling apart, and he’s out there campaigning for president instead of doing his job,” Portnoy remarked. He suggested that Newsom’s actions were less about governing and more about positioning himself for a run at the White House.
Portnoy has been an outspoken figure during the pandemic, using his platform to help small businesses hit hard by the lockdowns. Through his “Barstool Fund,” Portnoy raised over $40 million to support struggling businesses, a contrast to Newsom’s leadership during the crisis.
Portnoy’s disdain for the California governor continued on social media, where he mocked Newsom’s recent podcast announcement and made light of an embarrassing 2023 video where Newsom was seen playing basketball with children in China while neglecting his duties as governor.
For many Republicans, Newsom represents the worst of the left: a career politician more concerned with personal gain and national ambition than the well-being of the people he’s supposed to serve. Portnoy’s criticism of Newsom has struck a chord with those frustrated by the state’s leadership and the governor’s apparent disregard for the everyday struggles of Californians.