Newsom Calls Out Fox News Hosts Over Trump Support ‘Hey! Sean Hannity!’

California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again made headlines after calling out Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and other Fox News hosts during a fiery discussion about what he views as hypocritical support for Donald Trump. The moment came during Newsom’s recent appearance on Politico Live with Chris Cadelago, where the governor spoke extensively about Trump, media coverage, and the importance of protecting America’s institutions.

With his characteristic confidence, Newsom highlighted what he perceives as selective outrage by prominent conservative media figures. The clash adds another chapter to Newsom’s long-standing criticism of Trump and those who support him.

Gavin Newsom’s Long Battle with Trump

From his early years as governor, Gavin Newsom has established himself as one of the most vocal critics of Donald Trump. Whether addressing environmental policy, immigration reform, or higher education funding, Newsom has consistently painted Trump’s actions as dangerous and self-serving.

Unlike many politicians who avoid direct confrontation with media figures, Newsom has frequently singled out Fox News hosts. His latest remarks were no exception, as he called out Sean Hannity by name, saying:

“Hey, Sean Hannity! You watching? You’re so disgusted at Laura being sickened by socializing a grocery store, but you’re fine when Trump nationalizes Intel?”

The sharp remark underscored his point that Trump supporters in the media often overlook or excuse the former president’s decisions while criticizing similar actions by others.

The Exchange That Sparked Attention

During the Politico Live interview, Newsom addressed the controversy surrounding Trump’s billion-dollar settlement offer to UCLA, which the governor labeled an “extortion.”

When pressed about how he intends to resist such deals, Newsom shifted his response toward the larger issue of selective criticism in conservative media. His direct call-out of Hannity and Ingraham quickly spread online, with clips of the exchange circulating widely across social platforms.

For Newsom, this was not just about a single settlement but about a pattern of double standards. He argued that when Trump or his allies propose measures that mirror government intervention, conservative commentators often downplay the issue. However, when progressive leaders discuss public programs, the backlash from those same voices is swift and fierce.

Why Newsom Targeted Hannity and Ingraham

Both Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham are long-time anchors on Fox News and are known for their unwavering support of Trump throughout his presidency. Hannity, in particular, has frequently defended Trump’s policies while portraying Democrats as extreme or dangerous.

By directly addressing Hannity, Newsom tapped into a symbolic figure of conservative media. His rhetorical move was strategic, signaling to viewers that he sees Fox News as complicit in shaping one-sided narratives.

Newsom’s bold “Hey! Sean Hannity!” moment has since become a headline, reinforcing his position as one of the few Democratic leaders willing to take on both Trump and his media allies without hesitation.

The Issue of Nationalizing Intel

A major point in Newsom’s argument was the nationalizing of Intel, which he claims has been overlooked by Trump supporters in the media. According to Newsom, this kind of government intervention is often condemned when suggested by Democrats but ignored when carried out by Trump or his administration.

“You just socialize and nationalize Intel. You’ve got Howard Lutnick out there talking about it too,” Newsom said.

By framing the situation this way, Newsom highlighted what he believes is a fundamental inconsistency in conservative commentary. He suggested that Fox News hosts like Hannity and Ingraham hold double standards when it comes to government’s role in the economy.

Newsom’s Style of Political Communication

One of the reasons Newsom continues to attract attention is his communication style. Unlike many governors, Newsom blends traditional political talking points with sharp humor, parody, and even a touch of sarcasm.

His reference to Trump as “the Don” and a “mobster-like figure” reflects his willingness to use colorful language to make his arguments resonate. This approach has made him both admired and criticized, but it ensures that his remarks rarely go unnoticed.

On social media, Newsom often mimics Trump’s mannerisms and speech patterns to emphasize what he sees as flaws in the former president’s communication. This tactic has helped him reach audiences outside of traditional political circles, making him a significant voice in national debates.

The Broader Conflict Between Newsom and Fox News

This latest clash is not the first time Gavin Newsom and Fox News have been at odds. Over the years, the network has frequently criticized Newsom’s handling of California’s issues, from homelessness to wildfires.

In turn, Newsom has positioned himself as a counterweight to Fox News narratives, frequently pointing out what he considers misleading or biased coverage. His decision to directly call out Sean Hannity on a national platform is simply the latest escalation in this ongoing back-and-forth.

Public Institutions Under Threat

Beyond the media sparring, Newsom’s deeper point was about protecting public institutions like UCLA and the University of California system.

He noted that the UC system holds more than 13,800 active patents, producing groundbreaking research that supports both the U.S. economy and the global economy. In Newsom’s view, Trump’s settlement and other actions threaten the survival of these institutions.

“A billion-dollar fine to UCLA shuts them down. It shuts down one of the finest research institutions in the world,” he said.

By tying Trump’s actions to broader risks for education and innovation, Newsom positioned himself as a defender of academic independence and intellectual freedom.

The Public Reaction

Newsom’s comments quickly generated buzz online. Supporters praised his willingness to confront Fox News directly, while critics dismissed his remarks as grandstanding.

The exchange also reignited discussions about media bias, with some questioning whether conservative outlets apply the same standards to Trump that they do to other leaders. On social platforms, clips of Newsom shouting “Hey! Sean Hannity!” became a trending moment, sparking debates about both substance and style.

Why This Moment Matters

In a political landscape where most leaders carefully avoid direct conflict with influential media personalities, Newsom’s decision to call out Hannity is significant. It illustrates his confidence as a communicator and his desire to challenge the conservative narrative head-on.

With speculation about his political future always in the background, Newsom’s combative approach to Trump and Fox News could help him expand his influence on the national stage.

Conclusion

Governor Gavin Newsom’s fiery call-out of Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham has once again placed him at the center of national political conversation. By pointing to what he views as double standards in Trump coverage, Newsom reinforced his role as a vocal critic of both the former president and conservative media.

The moment was more than just a soundbite. It was a reflection of Newsom’s broader strategy: defending institutions, exposing hypocrisy, and ensuring his message resonates with both supporters and critics alike.

As the tension between Newsom, Trump, and Fox News continues to grow, one thing is certain: this will not be the last time the California governor makes headlines for his unfiltered remarks.