Who does Newsom think he is?
California Governor Gavin Newsom has made his first public comments following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. While acknowledging the outcome, Newsom then issues a warning to Turmp and struck a tone of cautious cooperation, signaling that while California would engage with the incoming administration, there are clear lines that will not be crossed.
In a post shared on social media, Newsom expressed his disappointment, calling Trump’s second term “not the outcome we wanted.” Nevertheless, he declared that the fight for “freedom and opportunity” would continue under his leadership. He also emphasized the importance of defending the nation’s constitutional principles, particularly in the face of what he described as potential overreach from the federal government.
“California will work with the incoming president,” Newsom wrote. “But let there be no mistake, we will stand with other states across America to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law. Federalism is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we remain committed to it.”
Newsom, who is seen as a rising star within the Democratic Party, made clear his intent to continue pushing back against the policies of the Trump administration. Political experts, like Dan Schnur, a professor of political communications, predict that Newsom will take on a central role in opposing Trump’s agenda, positioning himself as a prominent leader within the Democratic resistance. As California’s governor, Newsom will likely use his platform to push policies in direct contrast to Trump’s vision for America.
Interestingly, Newsom’s leadership has been challenged by voters on issues like crime, with Californians recently passing Proposition 36, a measure that aims to crack down on theft and drug trafficking. This came in direct opposition to Newsom’s own stance, as he had opposed the initiative, warning it would lead to “mass incarceration.” However, given the state’s rising crime rates, voters made it clear they wanted tougher laws to address the escalating violence and theft, including high-profile smash-and-grab robberies that have plagued California cities in recent years.
As Newsom looks to solidify his place in national politics, his future actions will likely be shaped by the growing tensions between state and federal authorities. In an era of division, his role as a governor will be crucial in shaping the political landscape of both California and the nation.