Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom's podcast episodes with Michael Savage and Charlie Kirk have sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ groups and Democratic lawmakers for his lack of pushback on controversial statements.
• Michael Savage, a conservative commentator, attributed the Democratic Party's 2024 election losses to issues like transgender acceptance in schools, which he claimed alienated liberal women voters.
• Newsom's comments on trans athletes and his perceived agreement with Kirk's claims about transgender medical care and education have angered advocacy groups, including Equality California and Planned Parenthood.
• The podcast revealed moments of agreement between Newsom and Savage on issues like homelessness, conservatorship laws, and promoting healthier school lunches, despite their ideological differences.
• Critics argue that Newsom's approach undermines his progressive credentials, with some California Democrats issuing rare public rebukes of the governor.