California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling out Joe Rogan — and he’s doing it publicly.
“Invite me on any time,” Newsom posted on X after Rogan criticized him on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.
Rogan, who endorsed Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election, discussed Newsom’s political ambitions with retired Navy SEAL and author Jack Carr. In the viral clip — which has already racked up over 5 million views on X — Rogan didn’t hold back.
“He wants to be president so bad,” Rogan said. “You can’t ruin a city and then go on to ruin a state and say, ‘guys, that was just practice, once I get in as president, I’m gonna fix it.’”
Carr chimed in, calling Newsom “a great politician.” Rogan immediately shot back: “No, he’s not.”
That’s when Newsom fired back online, accusing Rogan of being too afraid to “have me on his show and expose his listeners to the truth.”
Newsom, who has served as California’s governor since 2019 and previously spent eight years as lieutenant governor, has faced plenty of criticism for his handling of the state’s economy, homelessness crisis, and wildfire response.
Despite his denials, speculation continues to swirl that Newsom has his eyes on the White House in 2028. Rogan’s massive audience — particularly young male voters — could be a demographic Newsom hopes to connect with if that’s the case.
Still, polls suggest many Californians aren’t sold on the idea. A survey conducted by Emerson College Polling, Inside California Politics, and The Hill found that 59% of California voters don’t want Newsom to run for president, while 41% said they’d support a bid.