‘We need news media to shine bright light on abnormal political conditions’— California governor to INMA

In an unscheduled appearance on stage at INMA’s San Francisco conference, Newsom decried conditions created by President Donald Trump that are marked by city militarisation, intimidation of diverse communities, and pressure on independent institutions.

Newsom, 58, is a Democrat and is considered to be the top prospect for his party’s presidential nomination in 2028. He has served as California governor since 2019.

While Newsom trained his assertions on the Trump Administration, he also alleged widespread complicity spanning law firms, universities, business leaders, and media figures. Regarding American democracy, he lamented: “I don’t think we will have one in a year or two if we do not reconcile our own complicity in this moment. Society becomes how we behave.” He encouraged public vigilance and collective action across political affiliations to defend enduring national values.

“We have to meet this moment,” Newsom told INMA delegates. “I’m counting on you …” With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary next year, Newsom assailed the threats against the Constitution: talks of a Trump third term, redistricting, immigration raids, sending the National Guard into cities, and the “greatest grift that’s ever happened in American history. ”

“So I’m grateful, thank you, that you’re all here because we need you,” Newsom said. “I don’t care where you are on the political spectrum. We need you. We the people.” Newsom circled back on this theme: “We (are) counting on you. Hold us to account. And I think all of us need to raise our game at this precious moment.”

Bending into the theme of INMA’s Media Tech & AI Conference, he encouraged media companies to lean into influencers and streamers, communities that don’t get news from traditional sources.