Alyssa Farah Griffin calls Gavin Newsom ‘irresponsible’ for doubting ‘fair’ elections under Trump

Sunny Hostin questioned Alyssa Farah Griffin on how Gavin Newsom could ensure fair elections as Trump planned to send federal monitors to California
Alyssa Farah Griffin criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom after he warned that the United States would not have a 'free and fair' election under President Donald Trump’s leadership (Getty Images, Screebgrab/@TheView/X)
Alyssa Farah Griffin criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom after he warned that the United States would not have a 'free and fair' election under President Donald Trump’s leadership (Getty Images, Screebgrab/@TheView/X)


LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The View’s Alyssa Farah Griffin aimed at Gavin Newsom, slamming his warning about “free and fair” elections under President Donald Trump’s authority.

Newsom told ABC News, “We won’t have a country. We won’t have an election that’s fair and free if we don’t stand up,” regarding the California election on November 4.

Now, Griffin said Newsom has failed to keep his own promises despite being the governor. She added, “I think it is wholly irresponsible for the governor of the most populous state."

Alyssa Farah Griffin attends a discussion of the View's
Alyssa Farah Griffin attends a discussion of The View's 'Behind the Table' podcast at 92NY on October 08, 2024 in New York City (Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)

Alyssa Farah Griffin criticizes Gavin Newsom for slamming Trump’s election monitoring plan

California Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigns for President Joe Biden at the Van Buren County Democratic Party's
California Gov Gavin Newsom campaigns for former President Joe Biden at the Van Buren County Democratic Party's 'BBQ for Biden-Harris' event on July 4, 2024 in South Haven, Michigan (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Griffin made it clear that Newsom is quick to blame others, but when it comes to his own responsibilities, he’s not doing much.

She added, "He oversees the cybersecurity infrastructure. He oversees the secretary of state. Down to poll watchers, to election workers, Gavin Newsom has a lot of power in this.” 

Continuing her criticism of Newsom, she said, “He could at least say, ‘I can promise you California will have a free and fair election, and I’ll work with every governor to prevent any attempts to undermine them.’ But that’s not what he’s doing.”  

Backing Newsom, co-host Sunny Hostin argued that the presence of federal election monitors makes it harder for the governor to make such promises.

Without missing a beat, Griffin responded, “Because he’s the chief executive of the state.” She added, “Monitors, we need to know what that means. I do think it’s an alarming phrase.”

As Griffin spoke, co-host Joy Behar jumped in before she could finish, asking, “Doesn’t that sound like election intimidation?” Griffin answered the question, reminding everyone that Newsom has “his own authorities in the state."

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 08:  Joy Behar at Family Equality Council's
Joy Behar at Family Equality Council's 'Night at the Pier' at Pier 60 on May 8, 2017 in New York City (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Family Equality Council)

She said, Gavin's statement reminds her of the 'gerrymandering debate'. “Everyone gets angry when Texas redraws congressional maps to add more Republican seats,  they say it’s cheating, it’s rigged. Then California responds by doing the same thing, adding more Democratic seats,” she added. 

Gavin Newsom opposes Trump’s plan to deploy election monitors in California



Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) announced plans to send election monitors to multiple locations, including five counties in California and Passaic County, New Jersey.

The department said the move aims “to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.” Both states are gearing up for closely watched elections on November 4.

Washington Metropolitan police accompanied by federal law enforcement officers take a man into custody at a traffic stop in Chintatown on August 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal officers and the National Guard to the District in order to place the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and assist in crime prevention in the nation's capital. (Photo by Andrew Leyden/Getty Images)
Washington Metropolitan police accompanied by federal law enforcement officers take a man into custody at a traffic stop in Chintatown on August 21, 2025 in Washington, DC (Andrew Leyden/Getty Images)

Trump said, “We’re going to have sheriffs, and we’re going to have law enforcement, and we’re going to have, hopefully, US attorneys, and we’re going to have everybody and attorney generals (sic).”

Newsom strongly objected, “They have no business doing that. They have no basis to do that. This is about voter intimidation. This is about voter suppression, period. Full stop.”

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