Newsom Blasts Trump During South Carolina Tour, Fuels 2028 Presidential Speculation

California Governor Gavin Newsom is making waves on the national stage again—this time from rural South Carolina. On a two-day tour through the early primary state, Newsom sharpened his rhetoric against President Donald Trump, labeling the first six months of Trump’s second term “alarming” and urging Democrats to respond decisively in the upcoming midterm elections.

“It’s not what happens to us, it’s how we respond to it,” Newsom said in Bennettsville. “In 18 months, you have the power to end Donald Trump’s presidency.”

Throughout his speech, Newsom drew contrasts between his own record and the Trump administration's policies, referring to California as “the most un-Trump state.” He criticized recent immigration raids in Los Angeles and the federal response to flooding in Texas, claiming the Trump administration responded with cruelty and blame.

Newsom didn’t hold back, calling Trump’s tactics “bullying” and referencing his own defamation lawsuit against Fox News. He also took aim at “anti-woke” Republican policies, saying, “All I hear is anti-Black.” His remarks struck a chord with some local voters, particularly among Black South Carolinians who attended the events.

Though he stopped short of confirming a presidential run, Newsom’s trip is widely seen as laying the groundwork for a potential 2028 campaign. His visit included a spontaneous stop at a summit of African Methodist Episcopal bishops, further signaling outreach to key Democratic constituencies.

Trump responded from the White House without naming Newsom directly, calling him “one of the worst governors in our country.” He defended the federal wildfire response, claiming that without intervention, “Los Angeles would have been burned to the ground.”

While South Carolina Republicans mocked the visit, calling Newsom “unwelcome,” some local Democrats were energized by his presence.

“I came to see the next president of the United States,” said Samantha Sherman, a South Carolina resident attending the event with her young son. Others, like State Rep. Jason Luck, saw the visit as a rebranding effort for both Newsom and the Democratic Party.

“He’s got a long road to hoe, but at least he’s trying,” Luck said.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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