California Governor Gavin Newsom isn't pulling punches anymore. In a video interview posted Wednesday on X, he went straight at President Donald Trump, calling him a fundamental threat to American democracy and urging citizens to resist what he sees as a dangerous path forward.
Calling Out 'Reckless' Leadership
"I think Trump is one of the most destructive presidents and human beings in my lifetime," Newsom said bluntly. "I think this Republic is at real risk, this country of being unrecognizable."
He didn't stop there. "This guy is reckless. He's wrecked this country, and we will not have a fair and free election if we don't continue to fight," Newsom added.
The Enablers Are Part of the Problem
What made Newsom's comments particularly pointed was his criticism of those he believes have enabled Trump's agenda. He called out corporate executives, universities, law firms, and politicians on both sides of the aisle who've either actively supported Trump or stayed silent when they shouldn't have.
"I can't stand the crony capitalism. I can't stand all these supplicants that are sitting there bending the knee to this president," Newsom said, making it clear he sees complicity across the political spectrum.
Newsom framed his willingness to speak out as a matter of personal integrity, particularly regarding his children. "Seriously. I'm the future ex-governor… one thing I know that matters in the rest of my life is I have to look at my kids in the goddamn eye… and say that [inaudible] of being judged, not to have lived in the moment," he explained.
A Chorus of Criticism From Different Corners
Newsom isn't alone in his critiques. Former Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have also taken aim at Trump recently over various policy decisions and governance issues.
Earlier this month, Newsom condemned Trump for federalizing thousands of California National Guard troops and deploying Marines to Los Angeles during immigration protests. He argued that the extended federal control was an assault on civil liberties.
Pence, meanwhile, warned that Trump's new national security strategy takes too soft a stance toward China and Russia, potentially undermining longstanding American alliances.
And back in October, Warren accused the administration of deliberately withholding the September jobs report during a critical Federal Reserve meeting. She said the lack of data left the Fed "flying blind" and allowed the White House to "hide the truth about our economy." Warren argued that American families deserve transparency, not "more lies from Trump."
The common thread? Concerns about presidential overreach, accountability, and the erosion of democratic norms. Whether you agree with these critics or not, they're clearly worried about where things are headed.