26:41ABC NEWS LIVE – “Front Row with Jonathan Karl” on ABC News Live. Jonathan Karl interviews Gavin Newsom, Governor of California airing Wednesday, October 29, 2025. (ABC/Michael Owen Baker) Michael Owen Baker/ABC
California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed that the nation confronts a "major crisis" as President Donald Trump endeavors to "secure victory by any possible means" to further his objectives.
"I am genuinely terrified by the events unfolding within this country. I truly consider it a dire situation, a major crisis," Newsom conveyed to ABC News' Jonathan Karl.
"Our country will cease to exist. We will lack an equitable and unbiased election unless we rise to the occasion. We will not. An equitable and unbiased election will be unattainable. It will resemble a Putin-style election. Was it 87% or 87.3%? That is Trump's aspiration."
"All the pardons, everything connected to this grand deception — the largest, most dishonest administration in recollection. It transcends the $400 million plane; it includes billions of your taxpayer money, while we curtail food assistance to finance that very plane, intended as a possession for his foundation upon reaching the age of 93, or whatever transpires during his fourth or fifth term."
"I harbor profound worries. Individuals like [former Trump advisor Steve] Bannon are not to be trifled with. They are dead serious."
"I fear the loss of our nation. And where is everyone? Why are we not defending our principles?" Newsom inquired.
"I am appalled by the current state of our nation. I am disgusted by the submissive Congress. I am appalled by the conduct of the private sector. I am disgusted by universities compromising their integrity and law firms behaving unethically. I am shocked that individuals are not more indignant. I apologize," Newsom continued.
Newsom drew a distinction between Trump's "immaturity" and former President Joe Biden, whom he lauded as "one of the most accomplished presidents of the past century."
Newsom informed Karl that despite disagreements with the former president on matters such as border security, the governor applauded Biden's extensive achievements, which he believes are being undermined by Trump.
"I will fervently defend the CHIPS and Science Act, the infrastructure bill, and his endeavors related to the IRA. Moreover, his worker-focused industrial policy and the appropriateness of these policies for our country," Newsom affirmed in the interview, broadcasted Wednesday on ABC News Live.
Jonathan Karl interviews Gavin Newsom, Governor of California on “Front Row with Jonathan Karl” on ABC News Live.Michael Owen Baker/ABC News
The governor criticized Trump for his policy decisions but voiced greater displeasure regarding Trump's online and interview-based provocations.
The two-term Democrat pointed to the president's posting of a digitally altered picture depicting himself as the Pope and Superman, along with an image on Mount Rushmore, as some of the most outrageous instances.
Newsom indicated that he is responding to the president by "reflecting Trump and his immaturity" through his own social media parodies in recent months. The governor has disseminated images on his social media profiles mocking Trump's portrayal on a Time magazine cover, as well as another that reimagined the president as Marie Antoinette.
"The aim is to expose the absurdity and hold individuals responsible for their participation. This is the president of the United States. These depictions mirror his actions, which have been tacitly condoned," he asserted.
Newsom expressed no apprehension regarding retaliation from the president, pointing out that Trump has already penalized California by diminishing federal funding for initiatives like high-speed rail.
"He has targeted us more intensely than any other state, even during times when [his and Trump's] dispositions were aligned," he stated.
Nevertheless, the governor remarked that he and Trump generally get along "exceptionally well," notably during past private conversations.
"He shuns direct confrontation. Such occurrences are rare," Newsom explained.
"But he resorts to public attacks in your absence," Karl probed.
Jonathan Karl interviews Gavin Newsom, Governor of California on “Front Row with Jonathan Karl” on ABC News Live.Michael Owen Baker/ABC News
"Indeed, and he will fabricate details," the governor replied. "It's a constant cycle of the same actions."
Newsom reflected on the Democratic Party's setbacks in the previous year's election and some of their miscalculations, notably their handling of the border situation. The governor mentioned the existence of a "notable discord" between the Biden administration, himself, and other governors facing an influx of migrants.
"During my collaboration with the Biden administration, I emphasized the need to acknowledge the unfolding events," he recounted.
"Individuals in Colorado, Illinois, New York, and other regions expressed this sense of discontent. I believe we derived erroneous conclusions from the midterm results, where we outperformed expectations, leading to a tactical error, which is also flawed in terms of policy," he elaborated.
ABC NEWS LIVE – “Front Row with Jonathan Karl” on ABC News Live. Jonathan Karl interviews Gavin Newsom, Governor of California airing Wednesday, October 29, 2025. (ABC/Michael Owen Baker)Michael Owen Baker/ABC
Newsom remained optimistic concerning his party's prospects, suggesting that it is "now displaying renewed assertiveness, rather than passivity." He urged other leaders to resolutely confront Trump, who continues to "assail every institution of independent thought."
"[Trump is] finding success because we are still adhering to the conventional playbook. Therefore, my party must prioritize recognizing this reality. Subsequently, we will reconcile, adopt a more culturally conventional stance, become more reform-minded, and emphasize service and patriotism," he concluded.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
