Gavin Newsom says California ready to push back against President Trump

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom gave a scathing remarks about President Donald Trump in his latest speech.

Newsom made it clear; he sees California as ready to stand up and fight against what he calls an unprecedented threat to the country’s core values. Talking about the people of California, Newsom said, "Because you had the courage to step up against Donald Trump's assault at a time when we were desperate for leadership."

Gavin Newsom calls Trump ‘historically unpopular’

Newsom framed Trump not just as a political opponent but as a force fundamentally at odds with democratic norms.

“We're dealing with an invasive species by the name of Donald Trump,” said the California governor.

Newsom said, before quickly pivoting to argue that Trump’s influence stems not from strength but insecurity.

He described Trump as 'a historically unpopular president,' suggesting that repeated claims about election rigging reflect fear rather than confidence.

“He is an historic president, however. Historically unpopular president. Why else did he feel the need to rig the election before even one vote was cast? That's just weakness. Weakness masquerading as strength. That’s Donald Trump,” said Newsom.

‘Not the rule of Don’, says Newsom

Newsom also brought up the old ideas that shaped how America runs itself, talking about the Roman Republic and Greek democracy.

Those systems inspired the whole idea of co-equal branches, popular sovereignty, and laws that actually matter, he remarked.

While comparing these systems to the current political scenario, Newsom said, “You talk about why we're all here. The best of the Roman Republic. Best of Greek democracy. Co-equal branches of government. Popular sovereignty. The rule of law. Not the rule of Don.”

The California governor didn’t just see this as another political fight. He said what’s happening now goes way beyond party lines. More and more people, he believes, are waking up to just how much is at risk.

“And it's dawning on people all across the United States of America what's at stake. And you put a stake in the ground. People are showing up. I don't believe in crowns, thrones, no kings. And people all across this country are waking up,” said Newsom.

Newsom presented California as ready to confront what he characterized as Trump’s ongoing challenge to democratic institutions.

“Because you had the courage to step up at a time when we were desperate for leadership. We were. I say it all the time: it's not what happens to us; it's how we respond to what happens to us,” said Newsom, talking about the people of California showing up to vote.

“And you responded. Did we show up? There were lines around the block two hours after polling had stopped. Because people wanted to be heard. Not just seen. They wanted to send a message,” said Newsom.

Throughout the remarks, Newsom praised people who, he said, refused to ‘roll over’ or ‘give in’ during moments when leadership felt scarce.

“You had our back in the state of California. We were looking for a fight, not only that we can win, but a fight worth fighting for. And that is why I'm here,” proudly said Newsom.