California Gov. Gavin Newsom used his July Fourth address on Saturday to launch a sustained criticism of former President Donald Trump, dedicating nearly all of his eight-minute speech to the former president.
Newsom's speech, which had been previewed by his office as focusing on election policy to counter claims of rigged elections, instead featured multiple asides where the Democratic governor personally attacked Trump. Newsom suggested Trump fears the upcoming November midterm elections, stating, “The American people will go to the polls, and President Trump knows what’s coming.”
"And, because he knows that, he is afraid for himself. He doesn’t care about you, he doesn’t care about America, and he hardly cares about his own political party,” Newsom said.
The governor accused Trump of corruption, referencing Trump's personal financial gains while in office and his unfulfilled promise to "drain the swamp." Newsom alleged Trump "has added more than $4 billion to his personal fortune while sitting in what is supposed to be a public trust." He added that Trump "gave it a presidential suite" instead of draining the swamp.
Newsom also criticized Trump's actions following the 2020 presidential election and the January 6th Capitol riot, stating that "a man like Trump does not lose gracefully. He grabs every lever of power within reach, cheats, lies, and steals to hold on.” The governor also criticized the Supreme Court for not challenging the Trump administration.
Newsom concluded his remarks by drawing parallels between standing up to Trump and historical movements such as the fight for women's suffrage and the civil rights movement. The White House has not yet responded to a request for comment from The California Post.