California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) attempted to link the state’s ongoing homelessness and quality-of-life crisis to President Trump during an interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles’ The Issue Is. In remarks released Friday, Newsom described the state’s efforts to handle street encampments as a “roller coaster on progress,” but then shifted the discussion toward “authoritarian tendencies” he claimed were tied to Trump.
Host Elex Michaelson, who has interviewed Newsom multiple times, reminded viewers of the governor’s past appearances, from cleaning trash under an overpass to traveling abroad. When asked about his favorite segment on the show, Newsom pointed to homelessness, calling it the most important issue but immediately pivoted to national politics. “It explains, in many ways, why we’re here talking about Donald Trump and his authoritarian tendencies,” Newsom said.
California has faced intense criticism for its handling of homelessness, with encampments expanding across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities despite billions of dollars spent on housing and services. Residents have complained of rising crime, unsanitary conditions, and declining public safety in neighborhoods overrun with tents.
Rather than outlining new solutions, Newsom used the interview to attack President Trump and shift focus away from the state’s failures. His comments echo a broader Democratic strategy of tying local problems to national politics while sidestepping accountability for policy shortcomings.
Despite repeated promises to reduce homelessness, California remains home to nearly one-third of the nation’s homeless population. Recent reports show tent cities and open-air drug use remain a defining feature of urban life in the state. Newsom’s remarks suggest he views political attacks on Trump as a way to deflect from growing frustration over his leadership in California.
