Newsom Hypes California Under Attack From Trump, Billionaires

Governor Gavin Newsom has used his final formal address to California lawmakers to push back against a renewed wave of criticism, as President Donald Trump and billionaires rally against a proposed wealth tax in the state and allegations of fraud.

The 58-year-old Democratic leader, who has just about a year left leading California and is termed out from running again, said on a Thursday speech he would use his waning days in office to counter Trump. Newsom has emerged as one of the president’s top Democratic antagonists and is considering a presidential run in 2028. California, he said, will provide “a policy blueprint for others to follow.”