Sacramento
Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered a written national address on Tuesday, portraying California as a bulwark against the Trump administration. He criticized Trump for undermining public services, disregarding the rule of law, and instilling fear in businesses and universities.
This speech elevated Newsom’s national profile, although he opted out of a live presentation. He described a country beleaguered by federal actions, even while acknowledging the severe fire crisis in Los Angeles County, rising housing costs, and a lopsided economic recovery. He labeled Trump and his supporters as significant barriers to progress yet highlighted California’s resilience through its disaster responses, educational investments, clean energy initiatives, and economic sustainability efforts. As California marked its 175th anniversary, he declared, “the state is strong and fully committed to democracy, unwilling to yield.”
“Thinking that California is simply absorbing this assault would be a mistake,” Newsom remarked in his lengthy address, which also had a condensed video version.
This written format diverges from the long-standing tradition of governors addressing state lawmakers in person at the Capitol for their annual speeches. His unconventional method has drawn criticism, particularly from Republicans who see it as dismissive of the institution. California’s constitution allows the governor to submit a written national address to Congress, an approach that was effectively the norm until the 1960s. In-person addresses began with former Gov. Pat Brown and typically took place in January to outline the year’s agenda.
Newsom, who struggles with teleprompter reading due to dyslexia, hasn’t delivered a Capitol address since 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In 2021, his speech was streamed from an empty Dodgers Stadium. Two years later, he bypassed delivering a speech altogether, opting instead for a statewide press tour where he introduced new policies.
This year’s speech comes later than usual, as lawmakers scramble to finalize numerous bills before a deadline. It marks the end of his governorship, coinciding with ongoing conflicts with Trump, as well as public interest in his savvy social media tactics, which mirror the president’s own style to energize his supporters and refine his public image.
However, criticisms of Newsom’s track record remain sharp. Despite nearly two terms in office, California still grapples with entrenched homelessness, skyrocketing housing costs, and one of the highest living expenses in the nation. As the fiscal deficit grows, the governor has expanded MEDI-CAL to cover undocumented immigrants who aren’t eligible for income. His proposal to counteract Republican gerrymandering by adjusting congressional maps has faced accusations that he’s fueling partisan redistricting efforts.
In his address, he warned of the “toxic populism and anxiety” surrounding the current state of the nation: “We are just nine months away from fighting to protect the values we hold dear and to maintain California’s economic and social foundations. We face a federal administration marked by incompetence and harmful ignorance that threatens independent thought.”
Newsom highlighted California’s resilient response to a deadly wildfire in January that devastated thousands of homes and led to mass evacuations in Los Angeles County. He commended emergency responders risking their lives to rescue those trapped. However, he refrained from acknowledging criticisms regarding insufficient fire resources, slow evacuation alerts, and vulnerable communities left behind. Instead, he emphasized the “historical speed and scale” of the coordinated response from federal, state, and local officials.
“An executive order has cleared the way for fast debris removal and expedited permits to speed up rebuilding,” he stated, adding, “Homes are being rebuilt right now.”
Although California sought assistance from the Trump administration, Newsom mentioned that little support was actually provided. “Even now, while fires rage, the newly elected president is targeting our state,” he asserted. He drew parallels between Trump’s handling of fire management and immigration, noting the recent Supreme Court decision allowing mass immigrant arrests at various locations in Los Angeles. Newsom described Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines in June as a “coercive attempt to make us compliant.”
“We are dedicated to safeguarding the hardworking individuals who fortify this state through their efforts and creativity,” he said, shifting to address Trump’s threats to university funding. “When the president endangers UCLA’s resources, he fails to recognize that it is a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth.”
Newsom affirmed California’s commitment to a green economy, referencing the electrification of over 2 million zero-emission vehicles and the availability of 51 miles of new rail lines. He noted that the state had operated on 100% clean electricity for a full 60 days.
“Our climate investments are set to create millions of new jobs and cut air pollution by over 70%,” he added. “In California, economic development and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
Consistent with past governors, he used his remarks to underscore California’s significant impact on the national economy, highlighting the state’s GDP of $4.1 trillion and its leadership in startups and technology.
In closing, Newsom reaffirmed his commitment to report back next year, proclaiming that California will emerge “brighter and more prosperous than ever.”
