Newsom, who has been vocal in his criticisms of other top Republicans like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, expressed his sadness about the 2024 Republican front-runner's scheduled trial in Miami. "It was sad – and I say that as an American," Newsom said in the interview on "Hannity."
When asked about his relationship with Trump when he was in the White House, Newsom said that the two had politically-unique cooperation during the Coronavirus pandemic, with the top Democratic governor praising Trump. "I didn't have a closed fist, I had an open hand. We had an incredible relationship during COVID," Newsom said. "He was incredible – he played no politics during COVID with California – none whatsoever. It's a fact."
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Newsom also addressed the publication of photographs showing him and his wife, Jennifer, dining at the upscale French Laundry restaurant. At the same time, businesses in his and many other blue states were under hefty restrictions. Newsom had enacted harsh conditions at the time, like forced shuttering of indoor dining in many of the state's counties. The French Laundry dinner was a 50th birthday celebration for a political adviser. A spokesperson for the adviser told FOX's Los Angeles affiliate the meal setup was considered "outdoors."
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"It was a dumb – it was a terrible mistake," Newsom told Hannity. "It wasn't illegal, it was wrong. And I totally violated the spirit of what I was preaching. And it was wrong. And I own that."
June 13, 2023
Newsom also reiterated his plan to appoint an African-American woman to the U.S. Senate if the replacement of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., falls in his lap. Feinstein, 89 and serving since 1992, developed severe complications from shingles earlier this year, raising questions about her ability to finish her term. Speculation about who will succeed Feinstein, whether she decides to spend her time or not, has led to various reports. Some speculate whether there is significance that a daughter of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has been aiding the senator to help prospective successor Rep. Adam Schiff., D-Calif. Separately, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., who is Black, has said she would accept an appointment from Newsom if offered, according to a report from California's KQED radio.
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Hannity asked Newsom why he has set such parameters for a Senate appointment versus basing one solely on merit. "We lost with the Kamala Harris. We lost that representation. It's important. It's historic. I appointed the first Latino in California's history – [a race that makes up] 39% of the state. I thought that was important," Newsom replied.
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In another part of the interview, Newsom said he would readily accept an invitation for a Hannity-moderated issues-based debate with DeSantis. More of Sean Hannity's exclusive interview with Gov Newsom will air on "Hannity" later this week. Fox News' Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
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