Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly joined forces Tuesday on The Megyn Kelly Show to sound the alarm for conservatives: Stop legitimizing California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom.
Both right-wing media figures expressed strong opposition to Republicans appearing on Newsom’s podcast, arguing that doing so serves as political cover and preparation for a likely 2028 presidential run.
“I’ve said I’m against conservatives going on his podcast because I think it’s helping him train for 2028, and I don’t think we should help him,” Kelly said during the broadcast.
Carlson agreed, saying, “I almost went on, too.” The former Fox News host revealed that he had accepted an invitation from Newsom before reconsidering after watching several conservative figures appear on the show.
“I was like, ‘I would love to,’ because I would love to debate him about what he’s done to my state,” Carlson said, referring to California. “But then I realized — oh, wait a second — the point of this is not to have a real conversation. The point of this is to rehabilitate.”
Carlson: ‘Newsom Is Smart, But Hollow’
While Carlson admitted that Newsom is “legit smart” and “talented,” he delivered a blistering character assessment.
“There’s nothing at the core other than misery — another deeply, deeply unhappy person,” Carlson said. “A truly wounded, screwed up person on a very deep level — not joking — but also a talented person who will say anything, which in politics is an advantage.”
Newsom’s Podcast Sparks Conservative Criticism
Launched earlier this year, This Is Gavin Newsom is billed as a podcast focused on civil discourse, with the Democratic governor inviting guests from across the political spectrum to discuss policy, culture, and ideology.
Newsom has defended the podcast against conservative criticism, stating that the project is not about “going viral” or “owning conservatives,” but rather about understanding different perspectives — especially after Republican messages resonated more broadly in the 2024 election.
However, conservative commentators like Charlie Kirk — who also criticized the podcast during a recent appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show — have called it a political trap and warned it could backfire by overexposing Newsom’s political ambition.
GOP Strategists Warn: Don’t Help Newsom’s National Platform
Kelly and Carlson’s warning comes amid growing speculation that Newsom is positioning himself for a future presidential bid. Many see his podcast as part of a broader media campaign to elevate his national profile and project bipartisan appeal.
Carlson even noted that he occasionally texts with Newsom and knows his ex-wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle — now a prominent Trump ally. Despite that familiarity, Carlson warned conservatives: “This is about the public display. Don’t help him.”
Representatives for Gov. Gavin Newsom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
