California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump on Monday, arguing that the commander in chief should be “condemned” for his handling of the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25.
In an interview with progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, Newsom accused Trump of using the aftermath of the shooting to target political enemies and stifle free speech rather than uniting the nation.
Newsom’s Criticism of Trump’s Response to the Incident
Newsom emphasized that while political violence must be condemned on all sides, the president has a “unique duty” to lower the national temperature and promote unity, a responsibility Newsom believes Trump has neglected. Instead, Newsom claims that Trump exploited the event for political gain.
“Well, hell of a way to bring the country together as his press secretary was condemning Democrats for their rhetoric,” Newsom said, referring to the White House’s response after the assassination attempt.
“Violence and rhetoric should be condemned on all sides… He’s the President of the United States and used it to not only exploit the ballroom but to direct FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to continue to suppress free speech.”
White House Response and Attacks on Free Speech
The governor’s comments came as the White House and First Lady Melania Trump led a public campaign calling for the firing of ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
Kimmel had aired a skit just days before the shooting, in which he made a joke about the First Lady having a “glow like an expectant widow.”
The Trump administration condemned the joke, labeling it “corrosive” and a “call to violence” in the aftermath of the assassination attempt.
“They’re going after comedians because comedians are trusted,” Newsom said. “They’re attacking free speech.”
He also criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, accusing the agency of “total corruption” and “weaponization” after it moved to fast-track license reviews for ABC-owned stations.
While Carr maintained that the move was part of an ongoing DEI investigation into Disney, Newsom argued that it was retaliation for Kimmel’s monologue.
“This is about structurally and institutionally reducing the fabric of truth, trust, and transparency in the United States,” Newsom said.
The Assassination Attempt and Ongoing Investigation
The Department of Justice has charged Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, with the attempted assassination of President Trump.
Federal investigators say that Allen traveled by train to Washington, D.C., and rushed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton with a 12-gauge shotgun.
A Secret Service officer was struck in the chest during the encounter but was protected by a ballistic vest.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the incident the third major assassination attempt against Trump and reiterated calls for an end to what she described as “hateful and violent rhetoric” from the left.
Federal authorities say Allen remains in custody as they continue to investigate his background and motives.
White House Spokesperson Responds to Newsom’s Remarks
In response to Newsom’s criticism, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle fired back with a statement to Fox News Digital, calling Newsom “the worst governor in America” and mocking his remarks.
Ingle stated, “Gavin Newscum is the worst governor in America, and he also may be the dumbest. Anyone who thinks President Trump staged his own assassination attempt is a complete moron.”
Newsom’s strong remarks reflect the deep political divides surrounding the assassination attempt on President Trump.
The controversy continues as both sides debate the handling of the incident and the broader implications for free speech and political discourse in America.
As the investigation into Allen’s motives progresses, the situation remains tense, with public figures continuing to weigh in on both sides of the political spectrum.
