Gavin Newsom's public feuds with Donald Trump and attention-grabbing stunts have increased his national profile and energized many Democrats. Many transgender people feel discomfort or hostility toward Newsom because they have learned how quickly politicians can turn against trans communities and they view his political brand as a warning sign. Newsom has taken policy steps including challenging redistricting changes and urging universities not to comply with certain Trump administration demands, actions that some view positively. In pursuit of centrist and right-leaning voters, Newsom and some Democratic strategists have treated transgender people as political expendables, with some blaming transgender rights for recent electoral setbacks, a claim that remains dubious.
If you've scrolled social media lately, you've likely seen Democrats cheering California Gov. Gavin Newsom for trolling Donald Trump. But among transgender people, the mood is markedly different: Newsom inspires discomfort at best and outright hostility at worst. Their reaction is telling. In recent years, trans people have learned how quickly politicians can turn on them, and many see Newsom's brand of politics as a flashing warning sign.
First, an acknowledgment: Gavin Newsom has proven effective at needling Donald Trump online. He's gaining followers, driving news cycles, and picking fights where he knows he can land punches. On substance, he's also taking steps Democrats should applaud-leaning hard into California's redistricting fight after Texas's mid-cycle power grab, and pressing California universities not to cave to Trump administration demands for monetary payments to the government and policy changes, including those for transgender people. These moves are good, or at the very least, refreshing.
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