In a sharp critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent media strategy, former senior White House counselor Kellyanne Conway argued Friday that the Democrat lacks the political authenticity that President Donald Trump has used to cement his bond with voters.
Appearing on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Conway weighed in on Newsom’s decision to host The Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro on his podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom,” just a day earlier. While Newsom has ramped up his engagement with conservative figures, Conway suggested the move backfired, telling host Jesse Watters that the governor allowed Shapiro to “school and rule” him during the exchange.
According to Conway, Newsom’s approach highlights a vulnerability rather than a strength: a tendency to lecture while obscuring policy shifts that voters can easily track.
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“Jesse, this would be a brilliant strategy to get to the White House, except we have cameras and recording devices,” Conway said. “So we know right away if you’ve changed your mind and your fundamental position from last decade, last year, last month… The road to the White House doesn’t run through people speaking their mind, not changing their mind.”
The Authenticity Gap
Conway drew a direct comparison between Newsom’s fluid positioning and what she described as President Trump’s “authenticity.” She argued that Trump’s political durability stems from his willingness to repeat core priorities until they become synonymous with his brand—a tactic she believes builds trust.
“I think Donald Trump showed us how to do that,” Conway noted. “Authenticity is also consistency. It means that you’re principled and you keep saying the same thing over and over again… And they say, ‘Oh, you’re the guy who wants to build the wall, cut my taxes, peace through strength.’”
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Eyes on 2028
The critique comes as Newsom increasingly positions himself for a national run. After months of vagueness regarding his future ambitions, Newsom confirmed in October 2025 that he would weigh a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. His profile has risen steadily, bolstered by visits to early primary states like South Carolina.
Conway acknowledged Newsom’s political talent, conceding that he possesses the “swagger,” “good looks,” and “bigness” required to potentially survive a Democratic primary. However, she cast doubt on his viability in a general election, pointing to the disconnect between his national image and the realities on the ground in California.
“How do you win the general election when you have 12% of the nation’s population, but 28% to 29% of it is homeless?” Conway asked. “You have the highest unemployment rate in the country.”
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The California Record
Conway’s comments touched on one of Newsom’s most persistent political hurdles: the state’s homelessness crisis. Upon taking office in 2019, Newsom pledged a sweeping effort to combat the issue, framing it as a moral imperative.
On Jan. 8, the Newsom administration reported data to the Department of Housing and Urban Development showing an estimated 9% drop in the unsheltered population. Newsom has cited similar single-digit declines during his final year in office. However, critics have pushed back, arguing that the official figures fail to capture the full scope of the state’s unhoused residents. Despite the reported improvements, California has retained the highest total homeless population in the nation throughout his tenure.
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