California Gov. Newsom Critiques Senators Over Shutdown Deal

Tue Dec 02 2025 22:42:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview at the COP30 conference, California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed his disbelief over a bipartisan group of senators' actions to end the government shutdown, criticizing their lack of alarm about President Trump's political influence.

During the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, Gov. Gavin Newsom voiced strong criticism against eight senators, including seven Democrats, for breaking ranks to end a historic government shutdown. Newsom emphasized that these senators are not sufficiently alarmed by Trump's impact on political norms, describing their compromise as a betrayal of working Americans. He called their actions a 'capitulation' and expressed concern over the future of the country amidst Trump's changing political landscape.

BELEM, Brazil (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday he’s stunned by eight senators’ decision to break with Democrats and end the government shutdown and warned they’re not alarmed enough about President Donald Trump’s political norm-shattering.

Newsom expressed his feelings saying, “I’m not coming in to punch anybody in the face, but I’m not pleased that, in the face of this invasive species that is Donald Trump, who’s completely changed the rules of the game, that we’re still playing by the old rules of the game. And in my core, I’m stunned.”

Reporting from the COP30 UN Climate Conference, Newsom was asked what he would say to the group of seven Democrats and one independent senator who joined Republicans in passing legislation to reopen the government. The deal, he noted, comes amid criticism from other Democrats and is set to exacerbate the ongoing struggle for healthcare extendability.

The group consisted of several retiring senators and former governors, who acknowledged the deal as an imperfect but necessary step to bring an end to the prolonged government shutdown that has severely impacted numerous American lives. Newsom condemned their actions as 'capitulation and a betrayal of working Americans.' He further criticized the senators' willingness to compromise without achieving substantial Democratic goals.

As discussions regarding reopening the government unfolded, Newsom expressed alarm over the consequences resulting from the shutdown, which has led to disruptions in federal aid programs and financial instability for numerous citizens, emphasizing, “I’m much more alarmed about the future of our country and the world we’re trying to build than they are.” He highlighted the necessity for Democrats to align with a stronger opposition against Trump's influence.

The Trump administration did not send an official delegation to COP30, while Newsom anticipates discussions with global leaders regarding pressing climate issues. His ongoing criticism underscores a growing divide within the party as differing strategies emerge in response to Trump's presidency.