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“He tries to be something to everyone, which just shows you how totally inauthentic the guy is,” she said. “He’s the quintessential politician. He is a true sociopath.”
That line — “true sociopath” — has quickly become the headline-grabber, but Michaels didn’t stop at rhetoric. She pointed to specific policy decisions and long-term trends that she argues reveal a deeper pattern.
The Farmland Veto That Sparked Outrage
At the center of the controversy is Newsom’s veto of a bill designed to block foreign governments, including China, from purchasing California agricultural land.
The legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support — a rare 75–0 vote — signaling unified concern across party lines. Even Democratic lawmakers backed the measure unanimously.
Yet Newsom rejected it.
His justification focused on administrative burdens, stating that the bill’s reporting requirements would be too “arduous” for state agencies. Critics, including Michaels, see that explanation as insufficient given the national security and economic implications.
Michaels tied the decision to what she claims is a long-standing relationship between Newsom and Chinese interests.
“Go back to when he was the mayor of San Francisco,” Michaels said. “They would clear out the red tape for these guys to do what they wanted.”
Wildfires, Forest Management, and Another Veto
The farmland issue is not an isolated case. Michaels also highlighted Newsom’s rejection of legislation aimed at improving wildfire prevention and forest management.
California has endured some of the most destructive wildfires in its history in recent years. Michaels herself lost her home in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, making the issue deeply personal.
“The state burns down every five seconds and it’s absolutely manageable,” she said. “Everything is done wrong – but it’s so obvious how to fix it.”
She pointed to solutions such as controlled burns, better land management, and improved water storage — measures she argues are common sense but repeatedly ignored.
A State Losing People and Businesses
Beyond policy decisions, Michaels pointed to broader trends that paint a troubling picture for California.
Hundreds of thousands of residents have left the state in recent years, according to census data. Major corporations have also relocated operations elsewhere, citing taxes, regulation, and cost of living.
Companies like Tesla, Oracle, and Charles Schwab have moved key operations out of California, reinforcing concerns about the state’s economic climate.
Meanwhile, California ranks near the bottom in business tax competitiveness — a statistic critics say reflects systemic issues under Newsom’s leadership.
Homelessness Spending Raises Questions
Another major flashpoint is homelessness.
California has spent roughly $24 billion addressing the crisis over a five-year period. Yet the state continues to have the largest homeless population in the nation.
A state audit found that officials did not consistently track the effectiveness of the spending — a revelation that has fueled criticism from both sides of the aisle.
For Michaels, the issue underscores a broader failure of governance: massive spending with little accountability or visible improvement.
2028 Ambitions Face New Scrutiny
As speculation grows about Newsom’s potential national ambitions, including a possible 2028 presidential run, criticism like Michaels’ could complicate that path.
Her voice resonates differently because of her background — a California native, a mainstream public figure, and someone who once lived under the very policies she now condemns.
She even referenced a personal incident involving a criminal released during COVID-era policies who later broke into her home — a moment she says crystallized her concerns.
A Narrative That Won’t Go Away
Whether one agrees with her or not, Michaels has tapped into a growing narrative: frustration from former residents, business leaders, and everyday Americans who feel California is moving in the wrong direction.
Her blunt assessment — “true sociopath” — may be controversial, but it reflects a broader dissatisfaction that continues to build.
And as more voices join that chorus, Gavin Newsom may find it increasingly difficult to control the narrative heading into the national spotlight.
