California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has taken to podcasting as a way to raise his national profile, made headlines this week not for policy but for rhetoric. On Wednesday, during his appearance on “The Siren Podcast,” Newsom threatened to physically attack Republicans and former President Donald Trump, declaring he would “punch these sons of bitches in the mouth.”
The governor’s words drew cheers from the program’s liberal hosts, but for many Americans it raised a more serious concern: a sitting governor, entrusted with power, openly endorsing political violence. This is not the first time Democrats have gone down this road. President Joe Biden himself frequently joked about beating up Trump before later walking back those remarks. The fact that Newsom is now borrowing from the same playbook reflects a troubling trend in today’s political climate—where threats replace ideas and intimidation substitutes for debate.
In his comments, Newsom accused Trump of undermining democracy, invoking Russia to make his case. “This guy’s not screwing around. He’s not. I mean, this is a guy who literally celebrated the fact that, well, Putin himself said, sir, you know, mail-in balloting is, that’s not a, that’s not a, that’s not a — I mean, this is a guy who’s rigged all his elections, Putin, giving advice to Trump. Trump took it. I mean, what more sensibilities you need? And I say this to Republicans out there. I pray you pay attention to what’s going on. This is not about, he doesn’t care about the Republican Party. He took it over. He’s an invasive species. The Republican Party, it doesn’t even reflect itself. I mean, look at these Republicans cowering to this guy. Look at your Republican governor [Texas Gov. Greg Abbott], used to claim to be a conservative. What a farce. Nothing conservative about this. I mean, by definition, nothing conservative about this. This is radical rigging of a midterm election, radical rigging of an election, destroying, vandalizing this democracy. the rule of law. So I’m sorry. I know some people’s sensibilities. I respect and appreciate that. But right now, with all due respect, we’re walking down a damn different path. We’re fighting fire with fire. I’m going to punch these sons of bitches in the mouth.”
One of the podcast hosts, JoJoFromJerz, quickly replied, “Oh, amen to that.”
The exchange highlights a glaring double standard in modern politics. Imagine if a conservative governor had publicly threatened to punch Democrats or progressives—it would dominate the headlines, trigger investigations, and be used as proof of “extremism.” Yet, when the same language comes from a Democrat, it is brushed aside as tough talk.
Newsom went further, accusing Trump of “using Putin’s playbook” and of “militarizing American cities” by deploying the National Guard—and in Los Angeles, the Marines—to stop rioting and violent crime. His framing left out that the Guard has historically been called in by both parties during times of unrest. Far from “militarization,” many Americans view it as a necessary tool of law and order, particularly when local governments fail to keep their cities safe.
What is striking is how Newsom’s strategy seems designed to position himself on the national stage. His heated language and readiness to cast Trump as a foreign agent mirror the aggressive tactics that some Democrats believe excite their primary voters. Yet, this approach carries real risks. Violence against political leaders in America is not theoretical—Trump has already survived at least two assassination attempts, and in 2017, a deranged left-wing gunman opened fire on a Republican congressional baseball practice, nearly killing Rep. Steve Scalise.
The governor’s threats, then, are not just words tossed into the void of partisan entertainment. They exist in a culture where politically motivated violence has already been unleashed. By embracing that tone, Newsom adds fuel to a fire that has already cost lives. Conservatives will see his remarks as yet another example of Democrats abandoning restraint while lecturing others about “democracy” and “civility.”
At a time when Americans crave stability, security, and common-sense solutions to real problems like inflation, rising crime, and global threats, it is telling that California’s governor has chosen instead to stoke division with threats of physical violence. That choice says more about the state of his party—and his ambitions—than it does about Trump or Republicans.
Newsom your a Liberal Wimp
If people threatening to kill the president get arrested, why is it OK for Newscum to threaten to beat him up? Many, many countries don’t allow mail-in ballots not just Russia. His rhetoric is the complete opposite of presidential he best not even think about running. There’s nothing worse than an unhinged democrat!
Unhinged! That’s the word I was l was looking for! It fits perfectly for Newsom!
I swear to God Newsom’s Brain is FRIED! This man has lost it all together! It seems over the past few months he is showing more erratic behaviour. Acting out like some spoiled child and making threats. This is not healthy. He spews so much hate for the other party, while ignoring his own state’s welfare. California was once a great state, but this man cares nothing for the people and what they believe in. He paints himself as a “GOD” above the law. This is Sick, sick, sick. He’s so busy campaigning himself to run for President while ignoring his own state’s problems( which he has caused). I can’t imagine him even being re-elected in his own state. He is so focused on ME, ME, ME and ignores everything that’s happening around him. I swear this man has a great big EGO problem, which will end up being his “Doom”! God help us ALL if he ever gets elected president! Someone should imitate Newsom just to show him how crazy he sounds! His own Democratic party has distanced themselves from him. Only the “Woke” stand with him! Hopefully someone who cares about the people of California will get voted in. Good luck, California! You’re going to need it.