Gavin Newsom Slammed by Both Sides for Flip-Flopping on Trans Athletes

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing backlash from both the Left and the Right after his latest attempt to play both sides of the transgender athlete debate. While speaking with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on his new podcast, Newsom initially appeared to acknowledge the unfairness of biological men competing in women’s sports only to immediately pivot and regurgitate Democrat talking points about transgender mental health.

“I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that,” Newsom admitted. “So, that’s easy to call out. The unfairness of that.”

But just as quickly, he backtracked. Newsom claimed that failing to affirm transgender individuals would lead to higher rates of suicide, anxiety, and depression falling right back in line with the radical activist wing of his party.

Democrat lawmakers and activists erupted with outrage, accusing Newsom of betraying the LGBTQ movement.

• California’s LGBTQ Caucus: “We woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated by these remarks.”

• Democrat State Senator Scott Wiener: “It was a gut punch from any Democratic leader, and particularly from Governor Newsom.”

• Assemblymember Alex Lee: “We don’t need our [governor] caving to conservative talking points.”

Some activists even vowed never to support Newsom for higher office, calling him a “coward” for not fully endorsing the leftist narrative.

On the Right, Newsom’s comments were seen as nothing more than political theater.

• Riley Gaines, former NCAA swimmer: “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: “Talk is cheap. Why don’t you support my bill AB 844 to reverse CA’s law allowing boys to compete in girls’ sports?”

• Ric Grenell, former Trump official: “Let me fix the headline: ‘Gavin Newsom Flip-Flopped on Trans Athletes in Sports after viewing the polling.’”

Newsom’s failure to take a firm stance is a clear sign of his political ambitions. With whispers of a potential 2028 presidential run, he’s trying to maintain favor with progressives while not completely alienating moderates. But in doing so, he’s satisfying no one.

As the Left condemns him and the Right sees through his act, Newsom is proving once again that his leadership is driven not by principle but by political calculation.

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