Newsom Criticizes Trump as ‘Reckless’ and ‘Destructive’ President

California’s Newsom Escalates Criticism of Trump, Warns of Threat to Democracy

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sharply intensified his criticism of President Donald Trump, describing him as “one of the most destructive presidents and human beings” in his lifetime and expressing grave concerns about America’s democratic future.

During an appearance on New York Times columnist Ezra Klein’s podcast Wednesday, Newsom did not mince words about what he perceives as an existential threat to the nation’s core institutions.

“I think this republic is at real risk, this country being unrecognizable,” Newsom stated. “And I have no patience for people that want to indulge it.”

The California Democrat, widely considered a potential frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election, reserved particular disdain for institutions that have accommodated Trump’s administration. “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.”

His comments come amid a broader pattern of elite institutions adjusting their policies this year under pressure from the Trump administration. Several universities, banking entities and law firms have modified their positions in response to potential loss of federal funding and other threats.

The animosity between Newsom and Trump has deep roots, dating back to Trump’s first term. Throughout 2025, Newsom has employed increasingly provocative tactics in his criticism, including social media posts that mimic Trump’s distinctive communication style with all-capital letters and nicknames.

Perhaps most controversially, the governor has shared AI-generated videos mocking the president, including one depicting Trump, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller handcuffed and crying.

Newsom expressed particular concern about the integrity of future elections. “We’ll not have a fair and free election if we don’t continue to fight,” he warned, adding with unusual emotional candor, “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.”

The governor noted he had “softened” on earlier concerns about Trump potentially trying to run for an unconstitutional third term, but his overall assessment of the threat remains stark.

The contentious relationship runs both ways. Trump has repeatedly targeted Newsom in public statements, blaming him for the devastating Southern California wildfires in January. The president also supported White House border czar Toman Homan’s controversial summer threat to arrest the governor during federal immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Political analysts view this escalating rhetoric as potentially positioning Newsom for a national role. Recent reports indicate he is already generating enthusiasm from liberal Hollywood donors ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid, though he has not formally announced any intentions beyond his current governorship.

The exchange highlights the deepening polarization in American politics, with state executives and federal leadership increasingly at odds over fundamental questions about governance, institutional independence, and the boundaries of executive power.