Newsom Reflects on COVID-19 Policies, Hints at 2028 Presidential Ambitions

California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed regret over some of the COVID-19 policies enacted during the pandemic, describing certain measures as "insane in hindsight." In a conversation with CNN's Jake Tapper, Newsom specifically cited the closure of beaches and the prolonged closure of schools as decisions he now views differently. He acknowledged that some districts, particularly large ones like Los Angeles, took too long to reopen, and stated, "I regret that."

These reflections come as Newsom is widely speculated to be considering a presidential bid in 2028. The governor, speaking from his California ranch, also touched on the controversial decision to close beaches, calling it "insane in hindsight," and the delays in reopening schools, which he admitted were too slow.

Newsom implemented the nation's first statewide stay-at-home order in March 2020. The emergency COVID-19 order was not fully rescinded until June 2021, more than a year after many other states had lifted most restrictions. Critics point to the impact of these prolonged measures on California students, particularly the most vulnerable, who missed significant in-person instruction. The note also mentions substantial unemployment fraud that occurred during the pandemic, with California reportedly paying out tens of billions in improper or fraudulent claims, leading to a significant debt to the federal government.

The interview also brought up Newsom's past defenses of his pandemic policies, including a 2023 debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, where Newsom criticized DeSantis for lifting restrictions. Newsom stated at the time, "The only person that needs to apologize is Ron DeSantis for the tens of thousands of lives that died unnecessarily because he played to the fringe of his party." The article notes that COVID-19 death rates in California and Florida were comparable.

Newsom also addressed his decision to dine at the French Laundry restaurant in violation of his own lockdown rules, calling it a "boneheaded decision, just stupid decision." The article frames these belated admissions of regret as political expediency tied to potential future political ambitions, questioning the sincerity of the remorse and Newsom's judgment.