Newsom Calls COVID Beach Closures 'Insane in Hindsight,' Igniting Backlash

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently stated that the state's decision to close beaches during the COVID-19 pandemic was "insane in hindsight." The comments, made during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, have sparked significant criticism online from conservatives and some Californians who argue that the decision was obviously flawed when it was made.

Newsom, speaking while fly fishing in Montana, reflected on pandemic responses, noting that people initially treated the virus like a "Purell-based crisis." He identified the beach closures as one of several decisions he regrets. He also acknowledged that California's largest public school systems remained closed longer than they should have.

The governor's remarks quickly drew sharp reactions on social media. Spencer Pratt, a former candidate for Los Angeles mayor, posted on X, "No, Gavin. It was insane then. We all told you it was insane then. You knew it was insane then. You're just an insane person."

Harmeet Dhillon, an Assistant Attorney General, recalled on X suing Newsom in both state and federal court to reopen Orange County beaches, stating, "You knew it back then too, Governor."

Benny Johnson, host of "The Benny Show," criticized Newsom's past actions, tweeting, "He filled skate parks with sand, forced masks on your kids, made you show a vaccine card to go anywhere in public. Now he admits it was 'insane' six years later because he thinks he's going to be president."

Comedian Adam Carolla commented on X, "You are a sea captain who ran his tanker into the rocks, and now we can have a laugh as you explain that you didn't know anything back then and that now you would like to be in charge of the fleet."

Fox News political analyst Guy Benson also responded on X, stating, "Not just in hindsight!"

Susan Crabtree, a political correspondent for RealClearPolitics, noted on X, "What was insane was closing beach parking lots but allowing — even permitting — BLM protests in the same parking lots... It was also insane to see state beaches closed but city beaches right next door open and crammed with people. I'll never forget that one."

California was the first state to issue a statewide stay-at-home order on March 19, 2020, affecting nearly 40 million residents. The state was also among the last to resume full-time, in-person learning. Other restrictions included mask mandates, business closures, and vaccine verification requirements for public access.

Newsom, elected governor in 2018, faced a recall election in 2021 amid frustration over his administration's pandemic response and its economic consequences, but he ultimately won.

His admission comes as scrutiny continues over government decisions made during the pandemic. In July, Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment numerous times during testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee regarding the government's COVID-19 response.