Newsom's SHOCKING Betrayal: Progressive Governor Sides With Trump on Transgender Athletes!

2025-03-07 06:00:48.272

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, used his new podcast's inaugural episode to distance himself from progressive ideals by voicing his opposition to transgender women and girls competing in women's sports. This stance was revealed during a conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, a group instrumental in boosting President Trump's support among young voters. Newsom explicitly stated his agreement with Kirk, emphasizing the issue of fairness in sports. His comments reflect Democrats' ongoing struggle to understand their 2024 election losses, specifically the role of cultural issues in their defeat. Public opinion polls suggest that opposition to transgender women in women's sports is widespread, even among Democrats. Newsom's comments drew harsh criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who expressed disappointment and anger at his stance. While California law currently allows transgender athletes to participate in sports aligning with their gender identity, Republican lawmakers have introduced bills to change this, although their passage is unlikely in the Democrat-controlled legislature. Newsom's position contrasts with his past support for LGBTQ+ rights, exemplified by his actions as San Francisco mayor in legalizing same-sex marriage. The issue of transgender athletes has become a significant political battleground, with President Trump actively campaigning against their participation and even threatening to withhold federal funding from schools that allow it. The NCAA recently changed its policy to restrict women's sports to those assigned female at birth, a move seen as a victory by Trump. Newsom attempted to mitigate his comments by acknowledging the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals, but his stance represents a significant shift in his political approach.