California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t hold back when discussing the political firestorm surrounding Donald Trump and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he’s finding satisfaction in watching the former president and his allies squirm.
Speaking on Thursday’s episode of The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Newsom pointed to Trump’s well-documented ties to Epstein.
“Epstein and Trump were close,” Newsom said. “It wasn’t just a couple of photos — they had a real relationship. That’s just a fact. Sorry, Donald. A fact.”
He added, “So yeah, I get why people are outraged. Some of Trump’s own base is upset — and frankly, I’m enjoying the hell out of it.”
The renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to powerful political figures has sparked bipartisan backlash and caused major disruptions on Capitol Hill.
Just this week, the House abruptly adjourned for its August recess a day early as tensions mounted over the Epstein controversy. Lawmakers clashed behind closed doors, and public criticism intensified from both moderate and progressive Democrats.
Reps. Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) and Summer Lee (D-Pa.) were among those calling out the Trump administration’s handling of the case.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined the chorus, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “It’s the first day of House Republicans fleeing town for their Epstein Recess. They ran out of here trying to bury the story. But it’s only getting louder, with Trump and his administration’s lies unraveling by the hour.”
