Gavin Newsom slams Trump’s West Wing construction: 'Destruction is not strength'

COLUMBIA POINT, BOSTON: California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump over plans involving construction of a ballroom and the demolition of the West Wing.

Newsom made the remarks during an event at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on Friday, March 6, while discussing his new book, Young Man in a Hurry. The comments came as tensions between the California governor and the president continue to escalate.

Gavin Newsom rebukes Trump over West Wing construction plans

During the event, Newsom took aim at Trump’s approach to leadership and his reported plans regarding the West Wing. Referring to what he described as a “wrecking ball presidency,” Newsom said the plan reflected a broader pattern of destruction rather than construction.

Newsom said, “I mean certainly reflected symbolically and subtly in the Imperial Palace that he's trying to the Kremlin West Wing that he's trying to recreate. And that's all this has — Donald Trump is, you know, it's all about destruction, and destruction is not strength. He's not a builder.”

Newsom referenced a quote attributed to former Speaker of the House of Representatives Sam Rayburn to emphasize his point about leadership and construction versus destruction.

“You know Sam Rayburn, what do you know, you know, you always remember years ago, it's like who's this Rayburn guy? He says well he had a great quote. I'll remember the quote when I was a kid,” Newsom said.

He continued, “It goes, you know any jackass can knock down a barn. It takes a skilled carpenter to build one.” Newsom then directed a personal insult toward the president, adding, “Forgive me, but Donald Trump is a jackass. I believe that.”

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Previously, Newsom also seized on Trump’s firing of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary on March 5. Speaking minutes after he took the stage at The Music Hall, Newsom said the move reflected weakness within the administration.

Newsom said, “Donald Trump is in retreat. Today is a perfect example — the first firing of a high-profile cabinet member.” Newsom has long been rumored as a potential candidate in the 2028 presidential election, especially as he will term out of his role as California governor in January 2027.

Trump recently slammed a new clean energy agreement between California and the United Kingdom, warning British leaders against partnering with Newsom. In a brief interview with Politico, Trump derided the governor and the deal.

Trump said, “The UK’s got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum. Gavin is a loser. Everything he’s touched turns to garbage. His state has gone to hell, and his environmental work is a disaster.”

He added that it was “inappropriate” for Newsom to strike such agreements and “inappropriate for them to be dealing with him.” Newsom has been touring Europe partly to reassure US allies that Trump’s changes to transatlantic relations and climate policy are “temporary.”

The Trump administration withdrew the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change earlier this year. Trump also warned that the partnership could backfire for Britain.

He said, “People are leaving California. The worst thing that the UK can do is get involved in Gavin. If they did to the UK what he did to California, this will not be a very successful venture.”