It’s not often you make both sides of the political aisle made. But Newsom was able to do just that.
And Gavin Newsom was torched by Democrats and Republicans for saying this one thing during a recent interview.
Gavin Newsom Faces Backlash from All Sides Over Transgender Athletes Stance
California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has found himself in hot water, drawing sharp criticism from both progressive and conservative voices after wading into the divisive debate over trans-identifying males participating in women’s sports. His attempt to navigate the issue with nuance during a recent podcast episode has left few satisfied, igniting a firestorm of reactions across the political spectrum.
Newsom kicked off his new podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” with a bold guest: conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Known for his direct style, Kirk didn’t hesitate to put the governor on the spot, asking point-blank if Newsom would declare, “No men in female sports.” The question cut to the heart of a contentious cultural issue, and Newsom’s response revealed the tightrope he’s trying to walk.
“I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that,” Newsom replied. “So, that’s easy to call out. The unfairness of that.” For a moment, it seemed the governor, a longtime champion of LGBTQ rights, might break from his party’s orthodoxy.
But he quickly pivoted, echoing familiar talking points often heard from Democrats and transgender advocates. He warned that rejecting transgender inclusion could lead to dire consequences, claiming they “are more likely to commit su*cide, have anxiety and depression.”
“And the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with,” Newsom said. “So, both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think is inherent in you, but not always expressed.” His attempt to balance fairness in sports with compassion for transgender individuals sparked an immediate backlash.
Liberals wasted no time slamming Newsom for what they saw as a betrayal. A clip of the exchange spread online, and progressive outrage followed. “Leaders of CALeg’s LGBTQ Caucus respond to Gov. Newsom’s comments on transgender athletes: ‘We woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated by these remarks,’” a KCRA reporter posted on X, capturing the sentiment of California’s legislative LGBTQ advocates.
Will Governor Gavin Newsom EVER say “No Men in Women’s Sports?”
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 6, 2025
I asked him. pic.twitter.com/xVlJSag0Bq
On X, one user vented, “Gavin newsom you are a f***ing coward for not standing with trans people. Would never support your ticket for President.” San Francisco’s openly gay Democratic State Senator Scott Wiener told The New York Times he was disappointed in Newsom’s apparent alignment with conservative views. “It was a gut punch from any Democratic leader, and particularly from Governor Newsom, because he has been such a staunch ally for the L.G.B.T.Q. community,” Wiener said.
According to KTLA, Assemblymember Alex Lee, representing parts of the Bay Area, was equally incensed. “WTF. Trans people and LGBTQ+ people are under attack,” he posted on X. “We don’t need our [governor] caving to conservative talking points that further hurt and scapegoat 1% of the population.”
But the criticism wasn’t limited to the Left. Conservatives and others on the Right pounced, accusing Newsom of political posturing rather than genuine conviction.
Riley Gaines, a prominent advocate for women’s sports fairness, took to X: “Wow. This is the first time I’ve seen Newsom directly asked this question. As you’d expect, he continues to sit on the fence. He admits the unfairness is a problem but won’t take meaningful action out of fear of being perceived as unkind…”
Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli from Corona called out Newsom’s words as hollow:
“This is stunning. Talk is cheap. Why don’t you support my bill AB 844 to reverse CA’s law allowing boys to compete in girls sports? You’re the Governor, not a commentator!” he wrote on X.
Ric Grenell, a Trump admin official, suggested Newsom’s stance was pure calculation. “Let me fix the headline: ‘Gavin Newsom Flip-Flopped on Trans Athletes in Sports after viewing the polling.’ Of course it’s @ccadelago covering up for Gavin. Politico needs to hire someone for California who is brave enough to take on the one party rulers,” he posted.
Caught between defending fairness in women’s sports and upholding his progressive credentials, Newsom’s comments have pleased almost no one.
His attempt to thread the needle has instead exposed the fault lines in a debate that shows no signs of cooling down, leaving the governor facing a rare bipartisan rebuke.
Stay tuned to The Federalist wire.
