MUST WATCH: Joe Rogan Delivers Some Tough Words For Gavin Newsom
Joe Rogan didn’t hold back when discussing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s rumored presidential ambitions, saying the Democratic leader has no business running for the White House after what he called a disastrous record governing his state.
Speaking on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan said, “You can’t ruin a city and then a state and then say, ‘Guys, that was just practice. When I get elected President, I’ll fix it all.’”
His remarks, which drew widespread attention online, echoed frustrations many Californians have voiced over homelessness, rising crime, and the state’s high cost of living.
The comments came during a discussion about the state of American politics and whether Democratic leadership at the state level had produced results worthy of national office.
Rogan’s blunt criticism resonated with many conservatives who view California as an example of failed progressive governance.
Fox News reported that Rogan, who left California for Texas in 2020, has repeatedly cited the state’s high taxes and increasing crime as key reasons for his move. He told listeners, “California used to be the place everyone wanted to go. Now, everyone’s leaving.”
Rogan said that under Newsom’s leadership, major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have suffered record homelessness, declining public safety, and worsening drug problems.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Rogan added. “They’ve got every resource imaginable, but the leadership is clueless.”
The Hill noted that Newsom’s name continues to circulate in Democratic circles as a potential 2028 presidential contender, especially as President Trump seeks reelection.
Newsom has denied he’s planning a run but has kept a national profile through appearances on cable news and foreign visits.
Rogan dismissed those efforts, calling them “image management.” He argued that voters should judge results, not speeches. “You can’t just go around the country telling people you’ll fix what you couldn’t fix at home,” he said.
Critics of Newsom point to the state’s population loss in recent years as a sign of deeper problems.
Census data shows California lost more than half a million residents between 2020 and 2023, with many citing affordability and safety as reasons for leaving.
The Daily Wire reported that business owners have also fled California due to regulatory burdens and rising crime.
Elon Musk, who moved Tesla’s headquarters to Texas, called the state’s policies “hostile to innovation.”
Rogan used that example during his podcast, saying that when a state drives out its most successful people, “you’ve got to stop and ask who’s in charge and why it’s failing.”
Supporters of Newsom argue that California remains the fifth-largest economy in the world and continues to lead in technology and green energy.
Still, even some Democrats acknowledge challenges with housing and crime that have plagued his tenure.
Rogan said he doesn’t hate California but believes the leadership has “completely lost touch” with everyday residents.
“They act like they’re saving the planet, but they can’t even keep the streets safe,” he added.