Newsom is one of the worst governors in the country. But now things are getting worse for him.
And Governor Gavin Newsom is under heavy fire after making this embarrassing announcement.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, recently unveiled plans for his latest project — a podcast titled This is Gavin Newsom — and the announcement has ignited a firestorm of criticism online.
Rather than applause, the governor’s reveal was met with a wave of biting sarcasm and frustration from social media users who wasted no time pointing to the state’s mounting woes under his watch.
Conservative commentator Paul Szypula summed up the sentiment with a scathing X post: “California is a burnt mess that’s wallowing in financial ruin. So, Gavin Newsom naturally launches a podcast. WTH?!” His words captured the disbelief and irritation rippling through the platform.
Newsom dropped the news in a cheerful video on X Tuesday morning, pitching his podcast as a departure from the typical political fare. Calling it “anything but the ordinary ‘politician’ podcast,’” he promised a lineup of guests ranging from people “I disagree with” to those “I look up to.”
The governor teased “real conversations” about everyday issues like “What’s going on with the cost of eggs? What are the impacts – the real impacts – to you around tariffs?” He even hinted at digging into “what’s really going on inside of DOGE” and chatting with “leaders and architects in the MAGA movement” in the debut episodes.
I'm launching a NEW PODCAST. We need to change the conversation.
I'm talking directly with people I disagree with, people I look up to, and you — the listeners.
Egg prices? Tariffs? DOGE? We're tackling all your big questions.
This is Gavin Newsom. Subscribe now ➡️… pic.twitter.com/WdzGeqdvZ4
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) February 26, 2025
Produced by iHeartMedia, this marks Newsom’s second foray into podcasting. He already co-hosts Politickin’ with ex-NFL star Marshawn Lynch and sports agent Doug Hendrickson. But if the governor hoped for a warm reception to his latest venture, X users had other plans.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy didn’t mince words, dragging up Newsom’s infamous “French Laundry” scandal from 2020. “Let’s start with why did you throw a party for yourself at the French Laundry with no masks on in the middle of Covid when California had just about the strictest COVID regs in the country and thousands of small businesses were going outta business because of said policies?” he fired off.
Let’s start with why did you throw a party for yourself at the French Laundry with no masks on in the middle of Covid when California had just about the strictest COVID regs in the country and thousands of small businesses were going outta business because of said policies? https://t.co/q6sWUY2ItJ
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) February 26, 2025
The incident — where Newsom dined maskless at the upscale restaurant during pandemic lockdowns while Californians faced strict rules — still stings for many. Though he apologized in 2023, the memory lingers.
Others piled on with their own grievances. Andrew Kerr, an investigative reporter for the Free Beacon, took aim at Newsom’s handling of recent wildfires in Los Angeles:
“Hi Gavin, I would love to come on your show to discuss why your administration shut down a rockstar wildfire team under your command then lied to the public about their heroic accomplishments after I reported on your actions,” he posted, offering a pointed challenge.
California Republican state Rep. Carl DeMaio joined the fray, suggesting a title for the show:
“Gavin Newsom launches a new podcast. What name would you give it? My choice: ‘Gaslighting with Gavin.’” The jab landed hard, echoing a common critique of the governor’s leadership style.
Brianna Lyman of The Federalist didn’t hold back either, writing, “Your state is literally in shambles, homelessness is a massive problem, communities are still just ash and you think now is the good time to launch a … podcast?” Her words painted a grim picture of a state in crisis, contrasting sharply with Newsom’s upbeat podcast promo.
Perhaps the most colorful reaction came from California GOP Chair John Dennis, who quipped, “I’d rather pour acid in my ears than listen to a Gavin Newsom podcast.” It’s safe to say enthusiasm for the governor’s new gig isn’t exactly sweeping the Golden State.
As Newsom prepares to hit the airwaves, the backlash suggests he’s got more than just tough questions from guests to contend with—his toughest audience might just be the one scrolling X.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
