Gavin Newsom Says Democrats Must 'Fight Fire with Fire'

The California governor discusses his strategy of engaging with right-wing voices while ridiculing the president.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a new interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate, discusses his approach to leading Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump. Newsom talks about his early life in the San Francisco Bay Area and explains why he refuses 'to be a bystander to this moment'.

Why it matters

As a high-profile Democratic governor in a key state, Newsom's views on political strategy and his potential national ambitions are closely watched. His willingness to directly engage with and mock the Republican president is seen by some as a model for how Democrats can effectively counter Trump-era politics.

The details

In the interview, Newsom discusses his memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry' and his belief that Democrats need to be more aggressive in their approach. He says the party must 'fight fire with fire' and not be afraid to directly challenge right-wing voices and the president's brash style.

  • The interview took place ahead of the release of Newsom's new memoir.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

The Republican president whom Newsom has frequently mocked and opposed.

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What they’re saying

“I refuse to be a bystander to this moment.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (NPR)

The takeaway

Newsom's willingness to aggressively counter Trump-era politics, even as a state-level Democrat, signals a potential shift in the party's approach as it looks to regain power at the national level.