California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom has been slammed by both sides of the political aisle after he attempted to straddle the fence when it comes to the issue of trans-identifying males playing in women’s sports.
During the debut of Newsom’s podcast “This is Gavin Newsom,” his guest, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, did not beat around the bush and flat out asked the longtime LGBTQ supporter if he would come out and say: “No men in female sports.”
“I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that,” Newsom said. “So, that’s easy to call out. The unfairness of that.”
While it appeared that Newsom was diverting from his party and speaking out against men playing in women’s sports, he quickly reverted to the lies spread by Democrats and transgender activists that by not supporting transgender individuals, they “are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression.”
“And the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with,” the governor added. “So, both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think is inherent in you, but not always expressed.”
Shortly after the clip surfaced online, liberals blasted Newsom for his “anti-transgender remarks.”
Will Governor Gavin Newsom EVER say “No Men in Women’s Sports?”
I asked him. pic.twitter.com/xVlJSag0Bq
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 6, 2025
“Leaders of CALeg’s LGBTQ Caucus respond to Gov. Newsom’s comments on transgender athletes: ‘We woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated by these remarks,’” a post shared on X by a KCRA reporter read.
“Gavin newsom you are a f***ing coward for not standing with trans people. Would never support your ticket for President,” another person wrote on X.
Scott Wiener, a Democratic state senator from San Francisco who is openly gay, said it was deeply disappointing to hear Mr. Newsom “align” with Republicans on the issue, The New York Times noted.
“It was a gut punch from any Democratic leader, and particularly from Governor Newsom, because he has been such a staunch ally for the L.G.B.T.Q. community,” Mr. Wiener said.
Assemblymember Alex Lee, who represents part of the Bay Area, also took issue with Newsom’s statements, KTLA noted.
“WTF. Trans people and LGBTQ+ people are under attack,” he said on X. “We don’t need our [governor] caving to conservative talking points that further hurt and scapegoat 1% of the population.”
However, Newsom’s comments on the issue were also called out by those on the Right, too, with many noting it as political and nothing else.
Riley Gaines wrote on X, “Wow. This is the first time I’ve seen Newsom directly asked this question. As you’d expect, he continues to sit on the fence. He admits the unfairness is a problem but won’t take meaningful action out of fear of being perceived as unkind…”
Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli, of Corona, wrote on X, “This is stunning. Talk is cheap. Why don’t you support my bill AB 844 to reverse CA’s law allowing boys to compete in girls sports? You’re the Governor, not a commentator!”
“Let me fix the headline: ‘Gavin Newsom Flip-Flopped on Trans Athletes in Sports after viewing the polling.’ Of course it’s @ccadelago covering up for Gavin. Politico needs to hire someone for California who is brave enough to take on the one party rulers,” Ric Grenell wrote.
