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Newsom Faces Backlash Over Trans Sports Remarks

12/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed on The Ezra Klein Show that he signed more pro-transgender legislation than any governor, noting 47 LGBTQ+ bills since 2019, 21 benefiting transgender people.
He drew backlash for calling it deeply unfair to let trans girls and women compete in sports with cisgender females.
Critics say there is no evidence of advantages for trans female athletes, and the remarks increased tensions with Elon Musk.

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Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed on The Ezra Klein Show that he signed more pro-transgender legislation than any governor, noting 47 LGBTQ+ bills since 2019, 21 benefiting transgender people.
He drew backlash for calling it deeply unfair to let trans girls and women compete in sports with cisgender females.
Critics say there is no evidence of advantages for trans female athletes, and the remarks increased tensions with Elon Musk.