Full Breakdown
Gavin Newsom Calls California Beach Closures “Insane” in Hindsight, Sparks Backlash
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In a CNN interview released this month, Governor Gavin Newsom said the decision to close California’s beaches during the COVID-19 pandemic was “insane in hindsight.” The clip quickly ignited a firestorm on X, where critics accused the governor of acknowledging an obvious mistake.
Background & Context
California issued its first statewide stay-at-home order on March 19, 2020, affecting nearly 40 million residents. The order included mask mandates, business closures, and the shutdown of public beaches. The state’s largest public school systems remained closed longer than many districts, a point Newsom later cited as another regret. In 2021, Newsom faced a recall election but retained office.
Official Statements & Responses
Newsom’s interview framed the beach closures as a misstep, adding that the pandemic was initially treated as a “Purell-based crisis” focused on sanitizer shortages rather than viral spread. He also expressed regret over prolonged school closures. Fox News contacted the governor’s office for comment but did not receive a response.
Criticism & Opposition
Several public figures denounced the admission. Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt wrote that Newsom “knew it was insane then.” Fox News analyst Guy Benson and RealClearPolitics correspondent Susan Crabtree highlighted perceived hypocrisy, noting that beach parking lots were closed while nearby city beaches stayed open and that BLM protests were allowed in the same spaces. Host Benny Johnson recalled an incident where a paddleboarder was arrested for alleged COVID risk.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Look, everyone's a genius in hindsight, so, you know, coulda, woulda,” — California Gov. Gavin Newsom
- “No, Gavin. It was insane then. We all told you it was insane then. You knew it was insane then. You're just an insane person.” — Spencer Pratt
