Newsom Critiques Senate Shutdown Deal Amid Trump Concerns

Sat Dec 06 2025 21:00:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

California Governor Gavin Newsom expresses dismay over eight senators' agreement to end the government shutdown, emphasizing the need for vigilance against Trump’s impact on political norms.

At the COP30 UN Climate Conference, California Governor Gavin Newsom voiced his astonishment over eight senators breaking with Democrats to reopen the government, warning that they are inadequate in recognizing the looming threat posed by former President Trump. He described their actions as a capitulation that undermines the effort to protect working Americans from GOP influence. The senators’ decision allows for a government reopening, but Newsom feels it lacked substantial progress toward essential agreements such as extending health care subsidies.

BELEM, Brazil (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on Tuesday that he is stunned by the decision of eight senators to break with the Democratic party's position and end the government shutdown, cautioning that they seem too unconcerned about the far-reaching implications of former President Donald Trump’s actions.

In a statement to the Associated Press at the COP30 UN Climate Conference, Newsom remarked, “I’m not coming in to punch anybody in the face, but I’m not pleased that we’re still playing by the old rules of the game in the face of this invasive species called Donald Trump.” He expressed deep concern over the current political climate.

Newsom's frustration stemmed from the group of seven Democrats and one independent senator who collaborated with Republicans to pass a bill that would reopen the government, effectively bringing an end to the longest shutdown in U.S. history. He criticized the lawmakers for what he labeled a ‘surrender,’ suggesting their agreement represented a failure to achieve significant policy goals, including extending health care subsidies that are set to expire soon.

As tensions heightened ahead of a critical vote on the funding legislation, Newsom took to social media, describing the senators’ move as “pathetic” and calling their actions a betrayal of working Americans. Despite their rationale that the deal was necessary to end the shutdown, he condemned their acquiescence to GOP pressure.

Many of those who sided with the GOP are retiring senators, indicating perhaps a complicated political calculus behind their support for the deal, which included recognition of its imperfections. Newsom maintained that he is alarmed by the dissolution of political norms, arguing that it is crucial to act decisively rather than settling for half-measures.

“I’m more alarmed than it appears the eight members of my party are in the United States Senate,” he remarked, intensifying his criticism about the future direction of the country. As the conference progresses, he is expected to meet with global leaders and discuss solutions to pressing issues such as climate change.

The Trump administration, notably lacking a formal delegation at the COP30 event, leaves states like California—representing a significant part of the global economy—to lead discussions on critical issues facing not just the U.S. but the world at large.