California Governor Gavin Newsom Launches Substack to Combat "Right-Wing Disinformation Machine"
California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a Substack newsletter, adding another platform to his growing media presence. The move, announced Tuesday, is aimed at directly addressing what Newsom calls the pervasive “right-wing disinformation machine” and engaging in more meaningful conversations with the public. Newsom already hosts a podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” where he’s interviewed a diverse range of figures, from liberal allies to prominent conservative voices. This new Substack venture, however, signals a more focused effort to counter what he perceives as a deluge of misinformation and directly connect with citizens on critical issues.
Newsom’s inaugural Substack post emphasized the importance of breaking through the "noise" and engaging in genuine dialogue. He underscored the urgency of this effort, framing it as essential for navigating a “critical moment in our history." Accompanying the post was a video message where Newsom reiterated these points, directly addressing his audience and inviting them to join him in this new communication channel. This direct-to-consumer approach bypasses traditional media filters, allowing Newsom to control his messaging and engage in a more unmediated way with the public. His decision to utilize Substack reflects a growing trend among political figures seeking alternative avenues to connect with their constituents.
The governor’s first post featured his Fox News Digital op-ed titled, "Trump is trying to destroy our democracy. Do not let him." This choice illustrates Newsom’s strategic approach of utilizing multiple platforms, even those typically associated with opposing viewpoints, to disseminate his message. He also included an interview with Democratic strategist and TikTok influencer Aaron Parnas, highlighting his recognition of the importance of engaging younger demographics and leveraging emerging social media platforms. In his conversation with Parnas, Newsom emphasized the "foundational and fundamental" role of new media platforms like Substack in Democratic strategy, advocating for a more "aggressive" stance in countering prevailing narratives.
Newsom’s foray into Substack arrives amid escalating tensions with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. California has become a focal point in the national immigration debate, with the Trump administration deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles to address unrest stemming from anti-ICE protests. Newsom vehemently opposed this deployment, criticizing it as the militarization of American streets and a betrayal of American values. He argued that soldiers trained for foreign combat were ill-suited for domestic law enforcement and that their presence was traumatizing communities rather than protecting them.
The conflict between Newsom and the Trump administration over the National Guard deployment heightened with a lawsuit filed by California, accusing the President of exceeding his authority. A federal judge sided with California, ordering the return of control over the National Guard to Governor Newsom. This ruling was hailed as a victory by Newsom and his supporters, but the Trump administration quickly appealed the decision, arguing that the deployment was necessary to maintain order and protect federal officials. The legal battle underscores the ongoing power struggle between the state and federal government on immigration policy.
The clash over immigration enforcement, coupled with Newsom’s increasing media presence, has further fueled speculation about his presidential aspirations. While he has not officially announced a candidacy, Newsom is frequently mentioned as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. His outspoken criticism of the Trump administration, combined with his proactive approach to communicating with the public, positions him as a prominent figure in the national political landscape. The launch of his Substack newsletter serves as another strategic move in building his profile and establishing a direct line of communication with potential voters. His engagement with various media platforms, including his podcast, Fox News op-eds, and now Substack, demonstrates a calculated effort to reach a broad audience and shape the political discourse. This multifaceted approach to media engagement positions Newsom as a significant voice within the Democratic party and a potential future leader on the national stage.