California State Gov. Gavin Newsom
Statewide — Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump over the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran, calling the action “reckless” and warning it puts American lives at unnecessary risk.
In a social media post on Feb. 28, Newsom said while he agrees that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, he argued that the president’s decision to launch major combat operations was unjustified and dangerous.
“The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go,” Newsom wrote. “But that does not justify the president of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends without justification to the American people.”
Newsom’s comments came as the U.S. and Israel carried out coordinated strikes across Iran early Feb. 28, actions that have triggered Iranian missile retaliation and raised fears of a broader Middle East conflict. The moves also drew strong international responses, with global leaders calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic channels.
At a public event in San Francisco later that day, Newsom reiterated his critique, describing the administration’s approach as a distraction from domestic political challenges.
“It stems from weakness masquerading as strength,” he said, accusing Trump of manufacturing a crisis rather than presenting a clear strategy to the American people,” he said.
Newsom also emphasized the need for transparency and constitutional oversight, arguing that Congress –not just the White House — should be involved in decisions of war and peace. His remarks reflect mounting criticism from Democratic lawmakers and activists who say the strikes lack legal justification and could endanger U.S. troops without a clear exit plan.
In Los Angeles’ Westwood neighborhood — nicknamed “Tehrangeles” and home to the largest concentration of people of Iranian descent outside of Iran — as well as in smaller Iranian American enclaves across the state, some residents took to the streets to celebrate. Reports described people honking car horns, waving Iranian flags and rejoicing after President Trump confirmed the death of Iran’s supreme leader.
_________
Bo Tefu contributed to this report.
