Sean Hannity says he lives 'rent-free' in Gavin Newsom's head in Mediaite-obtained podcast clip

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In the debut episode of 'Hang Out with Sean Hannity', the upcoming podcast hosted by Sean Hannity, the Fox News personality sharply criticized Gavin Newsom during a conversation with sports media star Stephen A. Smith.

 Mediaite, which has obtained the clip, reported that the episode, recorded in Hannity’s Florida “man cave” is set to premiere Tuesday, March 10, and features Smith as the show’s first guest.

In the report published by Mediaite on Monday, March 9, the two launch into a pointed discussion about the California governor, with Hannity accusing Newsom of avoiding interviews where he might face difficult questions.

Sean Hannity says Gavin Newsom 'Can't stop attacking me'

During the conversation, Hannity suggested Newsom has declined to appear on Smith’s platform because he does not want to be pressed on controversial issues in California.

“You wanna know why I’m a Republican? Because you can’t screw up more than your buddy Gavin Newsom. I notice he’s not coming on your show.”

Smith replied that Newsom has not yet appeared but did not rule out the possibility.

Hannity then argued the governor already knows what questions would await him if he agreed to the interview. Smith pushed back slightly, saying he intends to ask the same questions many viewers and voters want answered.

Hannity responded by insisting Newsom frequently attacks him publicly while simultaneously avoiding direct conversation.

“Well, because you laid out for him what you’re gonna ask to him. And guess what? He doesn’t want to answer those questions. By the way, I live rent-free in that man’s head, he can’t stop from attacking me.”

The Fox host went on to broaden his criticism, arguing that Newsom has become more focused on national political fights and media appearances than on governing California.

“Gavin’s a disappointment to me in this sense, he had potential, a lot of potential. I don’t think he is going to make it for a lot of reasons. This guy now is a full-time podcaster, full-time Trump stalker on X, you know, a full-time world traveler, now he’s an author."

Sean Hannity slams poor leadership in California

Hannity also cited problems facing residents of the state, including rebuilding delays after devastating wildfires and high taxes, as examples of what he believes should be the governor’s primary focus.

“If you live in the Pacific Palisades and you lost your home and it’s a year and four months later and you can’t get a building permit, he ought to be fixing problems.”

Later in the discussion, Smith revealed he recently encountered Newsom during Super Bowl week and encouraged the governor to come onto his podcast and answer questions directly.

“There’s really no excuse for you to be avoiding me. All I want to do is ask the questions that people want to hear, and I want to give you the platform on the record to answer them any way you choose.”

Hannity, however, dismissed the likelihood that Newsom would accept the invitation. “He ain’t coming”, said Hannity.

Separately, Sean Hannity also posted a clip of his conversation with Smith on X. In the clip, Hannity asks Smith names of three people he'd vote for Presidency.

Stephen A. Smith can be heard naming Marco Rubio among others, calling him “an adult in the room”.

The full debut episode of 'Hang Out with Sean Hannity' will premiere on YouTube at 7 a.m. ET on March 10.