Newsom Launches Tour Pushes Progressive Agenda

Clear Facts

• California Governor Gavin Newsom began his national book tour in Tennessee, continuing to promote progressive policies and criticize Republicans.
• Newsom argued against the Republican-supported Save America Act and called for aggressive executive actions from Democrats.
• He promoted raising the minimum wage in California but did not mention negative outcomes reported in the state.

Gavin Newsom, California’s Democrat governor and a likely 2028 presidential contender, launched his book tour in Tennessee over the weekend, using the platform to advance far-left positions.

The event was moderated by Justin Kanew, who expressed clear opposition to conservative policies. Throughout, Newsom alternated between discussing his memoir and launching attacks against President Trump and Republican lawmakers.

Newsom criticized efforts like Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and the Republican-led Save America Act, which requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote. He also claimed the U.S. economic system needs major change.

“We’re talking about trillionaires now, not billionaires, so this isn’t working for enough folks. If you’re 30 years old, you’re the first generation in American history that’s not doing better than their parents,” Newsom said.

“So Bernie [Sanders] is right in that respect. Donald Trump was right, but he exploited it, and he has not done a damn thing to solve it and he’s just making it worse.”

“So the system fundamentally has to be reformed,” he added.

Newsom also called on Democrats to use more executive power. “We are capable of doing much more,” he said.

Highlighting his record as governor, he said California would raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour for fast food workers and $25 for health care workers, and criticized states like Tennessee for not doing the same. No mention was made of lost jobs and rising prices in California as a result of these policies.

Newsom alleged that Trump aimed to manipulate the 2026 midterm elections through redistricting and ICE activities, while signaling optimism that Democrats would regain control of the House.

“Donald Trump’s presidency de facto ends as we know it in November of this year when Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries gets the gavel. It does. That’s going to happen,” he said.

Justin Kanew questioned whether Trump would attempt to steal the upcoming election, referencing claims about ICE agents at polling places and voter suppression concerns.

Newsom supported these concerns, referencing statements by Steve Bannon, though Bannon has not advised Trump since 2017. ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, has confirmed there is no intention to use ICE at polling locations.

Newsom’s criticism of ICE followed a previous admission to Ben Shapiro that it was “fair” to be criticized for labeling ICE agents as terrorists.

Shapiro told Newsom that accusing ICE of terrorism “makes our politics worse” and “our ICE officers are obviously not terrorists.”

Newsom restated his opposition to the Save America Act, arguing that many Americans lack passports or birth certificates needed under the new requirements.

“It’s not about voter ID, the Save Act is not about that. It’s about registration. It’s about proving your citizenship with a passport. Not everyone has a passport,” Newsom said.

“I don’t know where … do you know where your birth certificate is? I lost that at seven. I don’t even know where to begin to get it back.”

The event’s audience in Nashville was largely made up of older adults, indicating Newsom is reaching out to a broad segment of the Democratic base as he positions himself for future campaigns.

Stay informed as the 2024 campaign season heats up and policies that impact American values take center stage.

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