California Governor Gavin Newsom at the Vogue World: Hollywood Announcement at Chateau Marmont on March 26, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
Sacramento, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new ad on Fox News, taking aim at former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. He claims these policies are damaging the U.S. economy and hurting American families. Newsom’s ad, which aired over the weekend, highlights the negative impact Trump’s tariff agenda is having on California, a state that plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy.
California, the largest state economy in the U.S., has long been a central hub for global trade. As the nation’s top importer and second-largest exporter, the Golden State drives more than $675 billion in two-way trade annually. California’s economy has grown to such an extent that, in April 2024, it was ranked as the fourth-largest economy in the world by both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The state’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached a record $4.1 trillion, surpassing Japan’s $4.01 trillion GDP.
In his ad, Newsom directly addresses Trump’s recent tariffs, notably his “Liberation Day” tariffs announced on April 2, 2024. Under this plan, Trump imposed a baseline 10 percent tariff on all global imports and additional “reciprocal” taxes on other countries. Newsom argues that the tariffs are slowing the delivery of essential goods through California’s ports, which could have long-term repercussions for the state’s vital trade relationships.
“Trump’s tariffs are halting the delivery of essential goods through our ports,” Newsom says in the ad. “They punish families and risk ending America’s run as the world’s greatest economy.” The Governor further emphasizes that the tariffs could disrupt California’s position as a leading economic powerhouse and harm the broader U.S. economy.
However, the White House quickly responded to Newsom’s criticism. White House spokesperson Kush Desai told Fox News that Newsom should focus on issues within California, such as homelessness, crime, and the state’s regulatory challenges, rather than engaging in international trade discussions. “Gavin Newsom should focus on out-of-control homelessness, crime, regulations, and unaffordability in California instead of trying his hand at international dealmaking,” Desai said.
Despite this criticism, Newsom has continued to position himself as a defender of California’s economic interests on the global stage. Earlier this year, he instructed his administration to seek out new strategic trade relationships with international partners, particularly to protect California’s manufacturers, farmers, workers, and supply chains. Newsom has also posted videos on social media expressing California’s readiness to engage with global trade partners.
While the debate over tariffs continues, trade negotiations are already underway. Talks between the U.S. and China reportedly occur in Switzerland, just days after the U.S. and the United Kingdom announced a new trade agreement. With California’s economic influence in mind, Newsom’s ongoing push for stable trade deals underscores the state’s critical role in the broader U.S. economy.
