Newsom Floats Idea of Mandatory National Service

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California Governor Gavin Newsom, an expected 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, has raised the prospect of requiring Americans to complete a set period of national service, suggesting commitments ranging from at least six months to as long as a year and a half. Newsom did not outline a specific proposal or limit the idea to military service alone, but said the U.S. needs to look at ways to foster a "shared responsibility to serve" to help bring the country back together.

Why it matters

Newsom's comments come as policymakers and military leaders continue to grapple with recruiting shortfalls and broader questions about civic participation. While the U.S. has had an all-volunteer military since 1973, the idea of mandatory national service could become a focal point of a future presidential campaign and carry more weight amid rising global tensions.

The details

During a recent interview, Newsom told Politico's Jonathan Martin that the U.S. should consider requiring Americans to complete at least 6 months, and up to 18 months, of national service. Newsom did not specify if this would be limited to military service or include other forms of civic engagement. The governor, who did not serve in the military himself, said the country needs to find ways to create "shared experiences" to help bring the nation back together.

• Newsom made the comments during a taped interview at John's Grill in San Francisco on March 26, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Newsom's office did not immediately respond to a request for clarification on the governor's comments, and it is unclear if he would pursue the idea of compulsory national service as part of a future presidential policy agenda.