Hannity Slams Newsom Over Biden 'Cognitive Decline' Support

Fox News host accuses California governor of being a 'propagandist' for former president

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Sean Hannity unleashed a scathing attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of being a 'propagandist' for former President Joe Biden and remaining silent about Biden's 'cognitive decline' during his aborted 2024 reelection campaign. Hannity also blasted Newsom's support for immigration policies that 'allowed millions of unvetted illegals into the country'. Newsom's press office fired back, saying Hannity was having a 'complete meltdown' because Newsom remained loyal to Biden even when it wasn't politically convenient.

Why it matters

The clash between Hannity and Newsom highlights the ongoing political tensions around Biden's health and fitness for office, as well as the broader debate over immigration policy. As a prominent Democratic governor, Newsom's staunch defense of Biden could impact his own political standing and ambitions.

The details

In a series of tweets, Hannity accused Newsom of being 'silent about [Biden's] cognitive decline' and 'flat out lying for him' during the 2024 campaign. Newsom's press office countered that the governor was 'loyal' to Biden, even when it wasn't politically advantageous. Newsom has previously described Biden as a 'father figure' and vowed to 'never ever turn my back on President Joe Biden'.

  • In July 2024, Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed his then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
  • On Monday, Newsom defended Biden at an event in Rock Hill, South Carolina promoting his memoir.

The players

Sean Hannity

A Fox News host who unleashed a scathing attack on Gavin Newsom over the California governor's support for former President Joe Biden.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who has remained a staunch defender of former President Joe Biden, even amid questions about Biden's cognitive health during the 2024 campaign.

Joe Biden

The former president whose cognitive decline during the 2024 campaign was a source of controversy, leading him to drop out of the race and endorse his then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

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What they’re saying

“You were one of Joe Biden's biggest propagandists during his campaign. You were silent about his cognitive decline even after his disastrous debate. Remember what you texted me Gavin???”

— Sean Hannity, Fox News host (X)

“Loyalty is incomprehensible to someone like Sean, whose entire career depends on manufactured panic, nightly outrage, and whatever talking points the Epstein Class beams into his earpiece before airtime.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Press Office)

“I'll never turn my back on Joe Biden, I won't. It's a character thing.”

— Gavin Newsom (Rock Hill, South Carolina event)

What’s next

The ongoing political feud between Hannity and Newsom over Biden's legacy and fitness for office is likely to continue, with both sides digging in and using the controversy to rally their respective bases.

The takeaway

This clash highlights the deep partisan divisions over Biden's presidency and the ongoing debate around his cognitive health, which became a major issue during the 2024 campaign. As a prominent Democratic governor, Newsom's unwavering support for Biden could impact his own political standing, while Hannity's attacks reflect the broader Republican strategy of painting Biden and his allies as unfit for office.