Newsom calls Trump admin 'America in reverse' during South Carolina visit

California Governor Gavin Newsom Condemns Trump's Policies and Encourages Democratic Voters in South Carolina

During a visit to the small city of Camden, South Carolina, California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a strong critique of the previous administration, highlighting what he described as a regression in civil rights. Speaking to an audience on Tuesday, Newsom emphasized that the current political climate represents a reversal of progress made in recent decades.

"What we're experiencing is America in reverse," Newsom stated, addressing the crowd. "They're trying to bring us back to a pre-1960s world on voting rights—something you know well. Civil rights, LGBTQ rights, women's rights, not just access to abortion, but also access to simple reproductive care, contraception… It's a moment that few of us could have imagined."

This statement came at the conclusion of the first day of a two-day tour through rural counties in South Carolina, organized by the South Carolina Democratic Party. Newsom’s visit was aimed at strengthening the presence of Democrats in the state and reaching out to voters in less populated areas. While some speculate that Newsom may be positioning himself for a 2028 presidential bid, he has not publicly confirmed these rumors.

South Carolina is set to host the first official primary contest for Democrats in the 2024 presidential race, though it remains uncertain if this will continue for the 2028 election. During his appearance in Camden, Rep. Jim Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, humorously acknowledged Newsom’s potential ambitions.

"We cannot just focus on the president. We got to build a foundation. So as we go around welcoming these candidates who are running for president—," Clyburn joked, prompting laughter from the audience and Newsom himself.

Newsom also spoke about the growing divide between red and blue states, where he said there is a trend of banning certain rights and implementing cultural purges. He encouraged the audience to take an active role in shaping the future.

"You can shape the future," Newsom said. "The future's not just something to experience. It's something to manifest. It's not in front of you. It's inside of you. Decisions, not conditions, determine our fate and future, and it's a reminder of your power at this moment."

In addition to his comments on civil rights, Newsom criticized President Donald Trump for the immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles on Monday, which coincided with the six-month anniversary of devastating wildfires in the region. He referred to the situation as a "war that's been declared at home, my home."

"We cannot let him win. We cannot allow him to win. So that's why I'm here," Newsom said, urging attendees to support Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Newsom's schedule in South Carolina included stops in multiple locations, including a cafe in Florence, where he delivered similar messages. His efforts were met with mixed reactions, particularly from the South Carolina Republican Party, which accused him of being opportunistic.

"Apparently California Governor Gavin Newsom is looking for some new voters to fool as he plans to run for President in 2028. Or maybe he's looking for voters who left California due to high taxes, government over-regulation, and woke insanity… Gavin Newsom should go sell Crazy California somewhere else. He won't find many takers here," said South Carolina Republican Party chair Drew McKissick in a statement.

Despite the criticism, Newsom continued to emphasize the importance of voter engagement and the need for Democrats to fight for their values in the coming elections. His visit underscored the growing political tensions across the country and the critical role that state-level campaigns play in shaping the national landscape.