California Governor Gavin Newsom Critiques Congressional Shutdown Deal

Wed Dec 10 2025 22:14:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his discontent with the bipartisan agreement to end the government shutdown, and underscored his concerns regarding President Trump's political influence.

During the COP30 U.N. Climate Conference in Belem, Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom voiced his frustrations regarding a group of eight senators who sided with Republicans to end the government shutdown. Newsom warned that this decision reflects a dangerous complacency regarding President Trump's impact on political norms, emphasizing the need for robust democratic principles. He expressed being 'stunned' by the lack of alarm within his party over the implications of Trump's leadership.

BELEM, Brazil (Civitas) — California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his astonishment at the recent bipartisan decision by eight senators to end the government shutdown, voicing concern over the implications it has on political integrity and norms in the age of President Donald Trump.

I'm not coming in to punch anybody in the face, but I'm not pleased that, in the face of this invasive species that is Donald Trump, who’s completely changed the rules of the game, that we’re still playing by the old rules of the game, Newsom stated during an interview at the COP30 UN Climate Conference. He described the current political landscape as one that he finds shocking and alarming.

Newsom was particularly critical of the senators who aligned with the Republicans, arguing that their actions displayed a failure to grasp the seriousness of Trump's presidency. His frustration was echoed in his communication strategy, where his press office referred to the deal as 'pathetic' and described it as a 'surrender' to the GOP.

Despite recognizing that some among the defectors saw the deal as a necessary compromise, Newsom suggested that their lack of urgency undermines the needs of working Americans, who are suffering due to the consequences of the extended shutdown, including missed paychecks and interruptions in federal services.

As he represented California—home to the world's fourth-largest economy—Newsom is exploring opportunities to engage with other global leaders at the conference about tackling pressing issues like climate change, reiterating his commitment to take bold actions against regressive policies at home and abroad.

Overall, Newsom's remarks reflect a growing tension within the Democratic Party regarding strategic decision-making in light of Trump's presidency and the implications it holds for American democracy.