Overview
- Newsom, in a Tuesday Politico podcast interview, said he admires Trump’s drive to win people over face to face.
- He escalated his critique by calling Trump flailing and punch-drunk and said the president is becoming more dangerous.
- He urged Democrats to fight fire with fire to retake the House in 2026 and warned that losing it could jeopardize a fair and free 2028 election.
- His office rejected the idea that he is a Democratic version of Trump, and coverage split on emphasis, with right-leaning outlets playing up his praise and left-leaning ones highlighting his attack.
- He said family will shape any 2028 decision, citing a text from his 14-year-old son and adding that fate will decide whether he runs.