How to Fix It with John Avlon S2 Ep68: Newsom: Trump ‘Knows He’s Gonna Get Shellacked’
Mar 26, 2026
Gavin Newsom, California governor known for big-policy initiatives on housing, climate and progressive taxation. He weighs in on the Iran conflict and risks of escalation. He discusses California’s growth-and-inclusion approach, rebuilding delays after LA fires, homelessness accountability, TikTok and media consolidation, and why 2026 matters for American democracy.
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Act With Urgency Not Accommodation
- Do move from process-focused accommodation to outcome-driven urgency when tackling crises.
- Newsom says voters care about outcomes not inputs and regrets earlier accommodation that slowed reforms like housing.
Hardball Tactics Broke Housing Gridlock
- Newsom credits aggressive state-level reforms and hardball tactics to break housing logjams.
- He tied infill zoning, CEQA reform and budget leverage to delivering consequential housing policy progress.
Faster Rebuilds Hampered By Insurance And Costs
- Newsom defends California's post-fire rebuild pace: 4,400 permits issued and 1,400 homes under construction within a year.
- He blames insurance payout gaps, inflation, tariffs and federal inaction for slow completions.
