Gavin Newsom mocks Trump Oval Office press briefings, says events packed with ‘7 sycophants’
WASHTINGON, DC: California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked President Donald Trump's Oval Office press briefings, accusing reporters of giving the president softball treatment and limiting opportunities for follow-up questions.
The Democrat made the remarks during an appearance on progressive YouTuber Jack Cocchiarella's show, arguing that Trump's Oval Office media events are dominated by supportive questions. His criticism comes even as Trump has publicly clashed with mainstream reporters, including CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins
Gavin Newsom mocks Trump-friendly questions at Oval Office press briefings
Newsom made the remarks on Sunday, July 5, during an appearance on progressive YouTuber Jack Cocchiarella's show, where he criticized how questions are handled during Trump's Oval Office press briefings.
"These press conferences in the Oval Office — you maybe have one or two reasonable reporters, they ask a question, there's no chance for a follow-up, and then it's 7 sycophants," Newsom fumed.
The governor then launched into an impression of what he portrayed as a pro-MAGA reporter flattering Trump while asking a softball question.
"Mr. Trump, you're such a extraordinary man. You look quite handsome, you look like you've lost weight," Newsom said.
He continued the mock question: "Is that because you are negotiating Medicaid Part D with GLP-1s because of your extraordinary work to get pharmaceutical prices down?"
Newsom then dropped the impression and delivered his verdict on the press events.
"It's just embarrassing," he said. "It's an embarrassment."
Gavin Newsom questions White House media access
Newsom did not identify any specific reporter or outlet as one of the "sycophants" he was criticizing.
His complaint followed the Trump administration's introduction of a "new media seat" at White House press briefings at the start of the president's second term.
The rotating seat has since been occupied by reporters from right-leaning outlets including the Daily Wire and the Gateway Pundit, as well as Natalie Winters, a co-host of Steve Bannon's podcast.
Newsom's criticism centered on his claim that mainstream reporters are being pushed aside in favor of Republican-friendly outlets that flatter the president.
In contrast, Trump's Oval Office appearances have continued to produce heated confrontations with prominent mainstream reporters.
Trump clashes with CNN's Kaitlan Collins
Last month, Trump lashed out at CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins during one such Oval Office exchange, accusing her of being "crooked as hell" and working for a "corrupt" outlet.
"She's a young, beautiful woman. Never smiles, I never see a smile off her face, I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes," Trump said.
He continued: "She has hatred because we have borders, because we have a strong military, because we cut our taxes, because we do things that everybody wanted."
Trump then added, "And then we win our election in a massive landslide."
