Unlikely allies? Gavin Newsom and Trump ally and MAGA torchbearer Steve Bannon find unexpected common ground in candid podcast exchange on politics; here's what they discussed

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a leading Democratic figure, sparked intrigue by hosting Steve Bannon architect of the MAGA movement on his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, bridging unlikely political divides. Their hour-long discussion avoided culture wars, focusing instead on economic populism, revealing unexpected alignments like shared skepticism of tax breaks for corporations and Elon Musk’s influence. Bannon pitched his vision of curbing corporate power, praising progressive Democrats like Rep. Khanna while urging Newsom to embrace anti-oligarch policies.

Newsom, seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, avoided fact-checking Bannon’s false claims about the 2020 election but pushed back on issues like Trump’s fiscal policies. Bannon dismissed Trump’s “printing press” deficit remarks as a joke, while Newsom countered that Trump’s governance suggested otherwise. The governor also corrected Bannon’s derogatory nickname for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, though the latter doubled down.

The conversation highlighted Bannon’s call for slashing federal programs, including Medicaid, a stance risking backlash from Trump’s base. Newsom’s focus on bipartisan economic issues, rather than partisan sparring, aligns with his interest in conservative media tactics. Having previously hosted other Republicans, the governor aims to expand his reach, testing messaging strategies ahead of a potential national campaign.


Analysts note the podcast reflects Newsom’s broader strategy to engage conservative audiences, leveraging platforms like podcasts where Democrats often lag. While critics question normalizing figures like Bannon, supporters argue it showcases Newsom’s adaptability in a polarized landscape. With Trump’s shadow looming over 2024, Newsom’s maneuvers hint at a calculated play for centrist appeal, blending progressive credentials with populist economic rhetoric.