Newsom Slams Trump's "Wrecking Ball" Presidency

California governor calls Trump's tenure "jaw dropping in real time" at Bloomberg event

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:31pm by Ben Kaplan

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In a Bloomberg Newsmakers event in San Francisco, California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized former President Donald Trump's time in office, describing it as a "wrecking ball presidency" that has been "jaw dropping in real time."

Why it matters

Newsom's comments reflect the ongoing political tensions and divisions in the country, as well as the lasting impact of Trump's controversial and disruptive presidency, even after he left office.

The details

Newsom made the remarks while speaking to Bloomberg's Brad Stone at a Bloomberg Newsmakers event in San Francisco. The California governor did not hold back in his assessment of Trump's time as president, using the vivid metaphor of a "wrecking ball" to characterize the former president's tenure.

  • The Bloomberg Newsmakers event took place on January 29, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, known for his progressive policies and outspoken criticism of the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whose controversial and disruptive presidency is the subject of Newsom's comments.

Brad Stone

A Bloomberg journalist who interviewed Newsom at the Newsmakers event.

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What they’re saying

“This is a wrecking ball presidency is jaw dropping in real time.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Bloomberg)

The takeaway

Newsom's scathing critique of Trump's presidency reflects the deep political divisions and lasting impact of the former president's time in office, even years after he left the White House. The comments underscore the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding Trump's legacy.