California Governor Gavin Newsom took aim at President Donald Trump's "assault on our values" in his final State of the State address, warning that democracy is under threat. In a fiery speech delivered to lawmakers at the state Capitol in Sacramento, Newsom criticized the federal government for what he saw as its attempt to undermine progressive policies in California.
Newsom, who has been eyeing a presidential run in 2028, highlighted his administration's efforts to combat homelessness and high healthcare costs, citing successes such as an 9% drop in unsheltered homelessness. He also touted the state's cleanup work from last year's devastating Los Angeles-area fires and its push for mortgage relief to survivors.
However, Newsom was quick to point out areas of disagreement with Trump, including the president's deployment of National Guard troops in L.A. and the federal government's blocking of California's ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035. He also criticized Trump's refusal to provide $34 billion in disaster aid to help the state recover from the fires.
Newsom's speech came as a day after the one-year anniversary of the devastating Los Angeles-area fires, which killed 31 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The governor had previously requested that Trump send billions of dollars in funding to support the recovery efforts, but the president has refused.
In his address, Newsom warned that large investors buying up affordable homes was putting pressure on rents and crushing dreams of homeownership. He also highlighted the state's work to reduce crime rates, citing $267 million in funding sent to law enforcement agencies across the state.
The speech marked a rare appearance by Newsom at the State Capitol, as he has been delivering written addresses to lawmakers since 2022 due to his dyslexia. However, it was clear that he intended to use this final address to make a lasting impression on his critics and supporters alike.
Overall, Newsom's speech appeared aimed at cementing his legacy as a champion of progressive policies in California, while also warning about the dangers of Trump's agenda. As he sets out to build support for his potential presidential bid in 2028, it remains to be seen how much attention this address will draw from national politicians and voters alike.
Newsom, who has been eyeing a presidential run in 2028, highlighted his administration's efforts to combat homelessness and high healthcare costs, citing successes such as an 9% drop in unsheltered homelessness. He also touted the state's cleanup work from last year's devastating Los Angeles-area fires and its push for mortgage relief to survivors.
However, Newsom was quick to point out areas of disagreement with Trump, including the president's deployment of National Guard troops in L.A. and the federal government's blocking of California's ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035. He also criticized Trump's refusal to provide $34 billion in disaster aid to help the state recover from the fires.
Newsom's speech came as a day after the one-year anniversary of the devastating Los Angeles-area fires, which killed 31 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The governor had previously requested that Trump send billions of dollars in funding to support the recovery efforts, but the president has refused.
In his address, Newsom warned that large investors buying up affordable homes was putting pressure on rents and crushing dreams of homeownership. He also highlighted the state's work to reduce crime rates, citing $267 million in funding sent to law enforcement agencies across the state.
The speech marked a rare appearance by Newsom at the State Capitol, as he has been delivering written addresses to lawmakers since 2022 due to his dyslexia. However, it was clear that he intended to use this final address to make a lasting impression on his critics and supporters alike.
Overall, Newsom's speech appeared aimed at cementing his legacy as a champion of progressive policies in California, while also warning about the dangers of Trump's agenda. As he sets out to build support for his potential presidential bid in 2028, it remains to be seen how much attention this address will draw from national politicians and voters alike.