Newsom Criticizes Trump for Exploiting Assassination Attempt to Target Enemies

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday sharply criticized President Donald Trump for his response to the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner last month. He argued the president should be condemned.

In an interview with progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, Newsom accused Trump of using the aftermath of the April 25 shooting to target political enemies and chill free speech instead of unifying the country.

"Well, hell of a way to bring the country together as his press secretary was condemning Democrats for their rhetoric," Newsom said.

Newsom argued that political violence must be rejected across the board, but the president carries a unique duty to lower the national temperature, a duty Trump has abandoned for political gain.

"Violence and rhetoric should be condemned on all sides," Newsom said. "I’m not going to ‘both sides’ it, but you know what? It goes in both directions. He’s the President of the United States and used it to not only exploit the ballroom but to direct FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to continue to suppress free speech."

Newsom’s comments come as the White House and first lady Melania Trump lead a public campaign for the firing of ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Days before the shooting, Kimmel aired a skit with a joke that the first lady had a glow like an expectant widow. After the attempt, the Trump administration called the joke corrosive and a call to violence.

"They’re going after comedians because comedians are trusted," Newsom told Cohen. "They’re attacking free speech."

Newsom also criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, accusing the agency of total corruption and weaponization after it moved to fast-track license reviews for ABC-owned stations. Carr has said the action relates to a long-standing DEI investigation into Disney, but Newsom called it retaliation for Kimmel’s monologue.

"This is about structurally and institutionally reducing the fabric of truth, trust, and transparency in the United States," Newsom said.

The Department of Justice charged Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, with the attempted assassination of the president. Federal investigators said Allen traveled by train to Washington, D.C., and rushed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton with a 12-gauge shotgun. A Secret Service officer was struck in the chest but protected by a ballistic vest.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the incident the third major assassination attempt against Trump and demanded an end to hateful and violent rhetoric from the left.

Federal authorities say Allen remains in custody as they investigate his background and motives.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle criticized Newsom’s remarks. "Gavin Newscum is the worst governor in America, and he also may be the dumbest," Ingle said. "Anyone who thinks President Trump staged his own assassination attempt is a complete moron."