California Gov. Gavin Newsom On Election: Donald Trump Better Remember This Is The “United STATES Of America”
Gavin Newsom wants the newly reelected Donald Trump to know California has a line, and the former president better think twice about crossing it when he returns to the White House next year.
Waiting until Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech this afternoon in Washington DC, the Governor praised his longtime political ally and, at the same time, gave the newly minted president-elect a warning.
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“Vice President Kamala Harris set out to fight to defend our fundamental freedoms and build a country that works for everyone,” Newsom said Wednesday of Harris and her short lived campaign for the White House. “She stood up for working families, decency, and opportunity. Though this is not the outcome we wanted, our fight for freedom and opportunity endures.”
Having found an uneasy balance with Trump during the former Celebrity Apprentice host’s chaotic first term, Newsom took a carrot and stick approach to the soon to be 47th POTUS today.
“California will seek to work with the incoming president — but let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” the Governor, who was married to Don. Jr’s current fiancée Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle when he was Mayor of San Francisco, insisted.
Again a leading contender for the 2028 presidential nomination now that Harris has been defeated, Newsom has long proclaimed that he will protect reproductive rights in the Golden State, immigrants and LGBTQ+ rights from Trump and his Project 2025 pals.
With revenge very much in mind, Trump trounced Harris last night in both the electoral college and the popular vote for a quicker than expected historic return to the office he was booted out of in 2020.
“Federalism is the cornerstone of our democracy,” Newsom added today. “It’s the United STATES of America.”
A top surrogate for his political adopted father Joe Biden, and a sparring partner with the likes of mini-MAGA leaders like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Newsom got a mixed bag out of the ballot in California in the November 5 election. The pro-incarceration Proposition 36 passed with nearly 70% of the vote yesterday, despite opposition from Newsom. On the other hand, propositions that sought to “reaffirm the right of same-sex couples to marry,” as Prop 3 did, and raise billions for environmental and infrastructure initiatives passed with the backing of Newsom, who recently backed a major increase in the state’s annual film and TV tax credits program to $750 million, and big majorities.
While fellow Democrat and Trump foe Adam Schiff easily won his Senate race on Tuesday, Newsom also saw George Gascón, the man he appointed SF DA in 2011 to replace Harris, go down to a harsh defeat in his bid for another term as LA DA.
In that, LA Mayor Karen Bass, a big ally of both Newsom and the VP, put out her own statement after Harris’ concession speech was concluded. Like Newsom’s remarks, Bass applauded Harris and drew a line on Trump policies like mass deportation of illegal immigrants.
“No matter what, Angelenos will always protect each other,” the Mayor said. “The fabric of our city is woven by the hearts of people from all over the world coming together in pursuit of opportunity and equity. That’s who we are — and that’s what our policies in the City of Los Angeles will uphold.”
Bass added: “Vice President Kamala Harris has inspired millions all over the country and all over the world — and she continues to do so. It’s our responsibility to ensure that the flame she has lit still burns bright. We will fill the sky with stars. No matter where you were born, how you came to this country, how you worship, or who you love, Los Angeles will stand with you. This is not a time for despair, this is a time for action. I’ve spoken with leaders across the city, the state and the country. We are ready.”
Point of fact: Though a proposed sanctuary city law has been suggested to the LA City Council as recently as last year and put out from lawyers to draft up, nothing has been brought to a vote. That may change after yesterday’s election.
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