Newsom slams Trump as 'fraud' over economic agenda of mass deportations, tax cuts, and tariffs

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Gov Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump’s economic policies during an appearance on CNN's 'State of the Union' with host Dana Bash, aired Sunday, February 22. 

His comments came as he launched his book tour in Nashville to promote his new memoir, 'Young Man in a Hurry'. Newsom also sat down for a wide-ranging interview, where he reflected on his difficult upbringing, opened up about the death of his mother, and discussed his views on politics.

Gavin Newsom on Trump’s tariffs and Supreme Court ruling

During the interview, Bash noted that the Supreme Court recently struck down most of Trump’s tariffs this week. She then pointed out that the POTUS was already using "different authorities to impose a 15% global tariff" and was "vowing to forge ahead even without Congress," asking Newsom, "What do you do?"

The Democrat responded, “What does anyone do? You're going to move your factory from overseas and onshore with 150 days certainty on a 15% tax or tariff? I mean, the whole thing is a farce.”

He continued, “I talk about petulance. It was 10% two days ago, maybe 20% tomorrow. I mean, this is madness. He's flailing. He's a punch-drunk boxer. He's just, you know, he's just trying to hit anything, a shadow, and he's a shadow of himself. He's lost a step or two.”

Referring to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Newsom said California was the first state to sue. “I was out there in the Central Valley talking about how this is going to impact ranchers and small businesses and farmers, the ag community, my state larger than any other state in the country,” he said.

Newsom added that Chief Justice John Roberts’ response essentially laid out their arguments in detail, calling it “always an illegal act.”

“He needs to return that money. He needs to refund that money with interest. He can do that in a nanosecond. They can do that electronically. They have the tariff codes. They have the ability. They do refunds all the time,” Newsom said.

He further stated that for families, the cost has been about "$1,701 a year" and argued that Trump has a responsibility to "pay the American people back."

Gavin Newsom accuses Trump and Scott Bessent of ‘wrecking’ the economy

Newsom also criticized Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, saying he appeared “almost gleeful” that refunds would not be issued. “This is dumb and dumber, Trump and Besant. They've wrecked this economy,” the governor said.

He cited economic figures, including 1.4% GDP growth in the last quarter, inflation rising back to 3%, and what he described as the "worst jobs market since 2013." He said GDP for the entire year was 2.2%, adding that Trump inherited 2.8% growth.

“It's a wrecking ball presidency. He's wrecking this economy,” Newsom said. According to him, Trump’s economic paradigm consists of mass deportations, tax cuts for billionaires, and tariffs. “He's been exposed. He's a fraud,” he said.

Newsom further alleged that the tariff policy was tied to self-interest. “This is a self-dealing operation. This is about his personal portfolio. You know exactly what he did in Vietnam with the tariffs. He used them to get a deal on his golf course to fast-track his development. Connect the dot," he asserted. 

He concluded, "This is unprecedented grift happening in real time,” calling the Supreme Court’s tariff decision a “profound moment” for the administration.