By admin 
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sparked controversy by stating that allowing transgender women and girls to compete in female sports is “deeply unfair.”
Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, made the remarks on his new podcast, diverging from many in his party on the issue.
“I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that,” Newsom told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. “It is an issue of fairness, it’s deeply unfair. We’ve got to own that. We’ve got to acknowledge it.”
His comments come amid an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over the role cultural issues played in their major losses in the November elections, where Republicans secured the White House and both chambers of Congress.
Newsom’s remarks were quickly condemned by members of his party.
“We woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated by these remarks,” read a statement from California’s LGBT legislative caucus.
The governor’s comments appeared on the debut episode of his podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, where his first guest was Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization known for its influence on college campuses.
The two discussed the Democratic Party’s struggles, particularly why Democratic nominee Kamala Harris lost to President Donald Trump in the recent election. Newsom suggested that his party is being politically “crushed” on transgender issues.
He referenced a viral Trump campaign ad that claimed: “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.”
“It was devastating,” Newsom said. “And she didn’t even react to it, which was even more devastating.”
During the discussion, Kirk argued that Democrats were out of touch with the majority of Americans, particularly on the issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
Newsom, an avid sports fan, responded: “I revere sports. So, the issue of fairness is completely legit.”
However, he also criticized the way the debate has been handled, stating: “The way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with, as well.”
His remarks drew mixed reactions within the Democratic Party.
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called Newsom’s comments “disgusting.”
Pramila Jayapal, a progressive Democrat from Washington, warned against playing into Republican narratives.
“We should not take the bait and give into their anti-trans people rhetoric,” Jayapal told Politico.
But some moderates agreed with Newsom.
Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton said Newsom was “correct” and that polling supports his stance.
“More and more are willing to say what they’ve probably always thought—and that’s a good thing,” Moulton said.
A January poll by The New York Times/Ipsos found that nearly seven in ten Democrats and almost all Republicans oppose allowing transgender female athletes to compete in women’s sports.
Throughout his career, Newsom has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As San Francisco’s mayor in 2004, he made headlines by issuing same-sex marriage licenses despite them being illegal at the time.
As governor, he has positioned California as a leader in transgender rights, making the state a sanctuary for trans youth and protecting school curriculums that include LGBTQ+ history.
Last year, he signed legislation preventing school districts from requiring staff to inform parents if their child changes gender identity.
Despite his past advocacy, Newsom’s latest comments suggest he is recalibrating his stance on transgender issues—possibly signaling a shift ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028.
Gill Bikram Singh