Gavin Newsom admits mistakes in pandemic policies under Joe Rogan's scrutiny

In a recent interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom faced challenging questions from podcast host Joe Rogan regarding his handling of COVID-19 policies. The interview, part of ‘The Shawn Ryan Show,’ took place on July 17, 2025, and saw Newsom respond to accusations about the justification for mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for children and the impact of pharmaceutical company interests on these policies. Newsom emphasized that his decisions were informed by independent advisors and aligned with national trends, arguing that California took significant actions to limit the pandemic's damage, working alongside the Trump administration. During the conversation, Newsom admitted to some mistakes in his COVID-19 response, particularly the closures of outdoor spaces like beaches, saying he would have approached it differently in hindsight. He pointed out the difficulty of decision-making during an unprecedented global health crisis, stating that every leader was facing uncharted territory. The governor emphasized the importance of a thorough and objective review of California's pandemic policies, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks, to determine both successes and failures in the state's approach. Despite defending many of his policies, Governor Newsom faced substantial public criticism, especially from conservative and independent voters who hold negative perceptions of California’s handling of the pandemic. The culture around public sentiment remains divided, with Newsom attempting to shift some blame onto former President Donald Trump, suggesting that both he and other state leaders had to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances early in the pandemic. Input from outside experts was noted as a crucial part of the decision-making process by Newsom. As California continues to navigate public health policies and the fallout from its pandemic response, the struggle for trust from constituents remains significant, especially as discussions around an objective review of these measures unfold. The upcoming report could potentially reshape the narrative surrounding Newsom’s leadership and influence future political aspirations, particularly as he is seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election.