Full Breakdown
Gavin Newsom Critiques JD Vance and Marco Rubio Amid 2028 Presidential Speculations
2/27/2026, 2:01:14 AM
Newsom's Concerns About Vance and Rubio
California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed significant concerns regarding Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, labeling them as "frauds" and "phonies" for their shift from being vocal critics of President Donald Trump to becoming his allies. In a recent interview with Jen Psaki on MS NOW, Newsom stated, “JD Vance scares me almost more than Trump,” emphasizing that Vance represents a unique threat within the political landscape. He described both Vance and Rubio as having previously been "two of the most effective critics" of Trump, only to later align themselves with his administration.
The Context of Newsom's Critique
Newsom's remarks come as he positions himself as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential election. He has been vocal about the implications of Trump's influence on the Republican Party and the broader political environment. The governor's comments reflect a growing concern among Democratic leaders about the future of election security and the potential for Trump to seek a third term, despite constitutional limits. Newsom warned that if Democrats fail to regain control of the House of Representatives, Trump could still appear on the ballot in 2028.
Election Security and Political Vigilance
In his interview, Newsom highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance regarding election security, particularly in light of Trump's threats to "nationalize" elections in certain states. He urged state officials to enhance voter protection measures and emphasized the role of local registrars in safeguarding the electoral process. “It’s about a state of mind, a vigilance,” he stated, underscoring the need for continuous attention to election integrity.
Criticism of Trump's Allies
Newsom's critique extends beyond Vance and Rubio to include broader criticisms of Trump's political tactics. He noted that Trump often tests public reactions to his statements, which can lead to the normalization of extreme rhetoric. Newsom cautioned against dismissing Trump's behavior as merely "Trump being Trump," calling such phrases "the most damning words in the English language right now." He argued that failing to challenge Trump's actions could lead to a dangerous acceptance of his political maneuvers.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to questions about the future of the MAGA movement, Newsom remarked that competition among Trump’s allies will shape the direction of the Republican Party. He indicated that while Vance and Rubio may be positioned as potential successors, Trump still exerts significant control over the narrative and leadership within the party. Newsom's comments reflect a strategic approach to framing the political landscape as he considers his own presidential ambitions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Newsom also told Psaki: “Vance, for whatever reason, scares me almost more than Trump.” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
- “What frauds. What phonies.” — Gavin Newsom, on JD Vance and Marco Rubio
- “You’ve got to call it out. None of this is normal. It’s unconscionable.” — Gavin Newsom, regarding Trump's behavior
- “If you don’t react, all of a sudden it’s socialized. Now it’s normalized.” — Gavin Newsom, on public reactions to Trump
What's Next
As Newsom continues to navigate his potential candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, his critiques of Vance and Rubio are likely to resonate within Democratic circles. The evolving dynamics of the Republican Party, particularly in relation to Trump's influence, will be a critical factor in shaping the political landscape leading up to the next election cycle.
