California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called out transgender athletes competing in female sports as “deeply unfair” in a conversation with MAGA’s youth leader Charlie Kirk.
“Would you say, ‘No men in female sports’,” the Turning Point USA founder asked Newsom on the first episode of the Democratic Governor’s new podcast, calling transgender women “men.”
“Well I think it’s an issue of fairness,” Newsom, who is likely eyeing the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, responded, “I completely agree with you on that. It’s deeply unfair.”
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Newsom’s statement marks a break with his party, which has generally supported transgender athletes’ right to participate in female sports. The Biden administration sued states over anti-trans policies and worked to strike down laws banning trans students from participating in sports.
California assemblymember Alex Lee, a Democrat, criticized Newsom’s statement in a furious message on X, writing, “We don’t need our gov caving to conservative talking points that further hurt and scapegoat 1% of the population.”
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) also weighed in. “This is a moment for Democrats to stand for the dignity of the trans community, the immigrant community, & the most vulnerable,” he commented on Lee’s post.
On the podcast, Newsom did denounce the hate that the transgender community faces.
“The way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with as well. So both things I can hold in my hand,” he said.
Newsom also complimented MAGA’s use of the issue in their campaigning. During last year’s campaign cycle, Trump and his allies spent more than $20 million on political ads attacking transgender people.
“The last couple years, boy did I [see] how you guys were able to weaponize that issue at another level,” Newsom said.
When Kirk, who is known for spreading conspiracy theories and making inflammatory remarks, challenged Newsom over his use of the word “weaponize,” Newsom gave in and replaced it with “highlight.”
