Full Breakdown
Harmeet Dhillon Critiques Gavin Newsom's 2028 Presidential Aspirations
12/10/2025, 10:41:51 PM
Criticism of Newsom's Leadership
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's potential candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, citing what she describes as "state leadership failures" that she believes disqualify him from running. In an interview on the podcast "Pod Force One," Dhillon, a former California resident, expressed that Newsom's track record is not comparable to that of former President Barack Obama, who was considered untested at the time of his candidacy. She pointed to Newsom's "notable personal foibles and failures" as significant drawbacks.
Newsom's Political Landscape
Despite Dhillon's criticisms, Newsom is currently positioned as a leading candidate for the Democratic primary, garnering 28% support according to RealClearPolitics polling. He is followed by former Vice President Kamala Harris at 20%, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 11.5%, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) at 8.5%. Speculation about Newsom's presidential ambitions has intensified, particularly following his recent social media activity that mirrors the bold style of former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez is also rumored to be considering a run for the presidency or a challenge to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Legal Conflicts and Controversies
Dhillon's Civil Rights Division has engaged in multiple legal battles against Newsom's administration, including a lawsuit concerning the state's redistricting plan, Proposition 50, which allegedly violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Dhillon recused herself from this case due to her former law firm's involvement. She also referenced a controversial incident involving a fire at the home of Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein, which has been linked to political tensions. Dhillon stated that she and Stephen Miller were blamed for the incident, which she described as leading to death threats against her.
Official Responses
In response to Dhillon's remarks, Izzy Gardon, Newsom's director of communications, called for an apology, asserting that Dhillon's implications were "blatantly false." Gardon emphasized that Newsom's office never threatened Dhillon and criticized the rhetoric used by Trump officials against judges, labeling it as "dangerous" and "un-American."
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think AOC is one of those fictionally created-in-a-lab characters that may be a more promising one for them.” — Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General
- “Ms. Dhillon owes us a full apology for her blatantly false implications. Our office never threatened her, in contrast to the Trump Administration’s vile rhetoric against sitting judges.” — Izzy Gardon, Newsom's Director of Communications
- “They blamed me and Stephen Miller for that, and you get death threats because of that?” — Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General
Conclusion
As the 2028 presidential race approaches, the dynamics between Gavin Newsom and potential challengers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are becoming increasingly complex. Dhillon's criticisms highlight the contentious political landscape in California and the broader implications for the Democratic Party as it prepares for the upcoming election cycle.