By Isabella Torregiani
2:25pm PDT, Jul 17, 2025
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During an appearance on
Shawn Ryan's podcast, California Governor
Gavin Newsom faced direct questions from
Joe Rogan about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keep reading for his response … MORE:
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In the interview, podcast host Shawn Ryan presented a "tough" question from Joe Rogan, a friend of the show.
The fellow podcaster asked, "Who will be held accountable for mandating COVID-19 vaccines for children, which were unnecessary and ineffective, and who will take responsibility for the unprecedented increases in myocarditis and cancer cases among them?"
He followed by asking if Gavin Newsom "feels any remorse for that draconian decision that was obviously heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical companies' desire for maximum profit?"
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In response to Joe Rogan's questions, Gavin Newsom rejected the notion that Big Pharma influenced his decisions, pointing out that he has passed "some of the most progressive laws" against pharmaceutical companies.
He defended his pandemic response, noting that California, like many other states, including red states, worked alongside President Donald Trump's administration to lessen the virus' impact.
Regarding vaccines, Newsom stated they "save lives," while still acknowledging and respecting Rogan's position.
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When asked about any mistakes he made during the pandemic, Gavin Newsom admitted there were a few, including the closures of outdoor spaces like beaches.
He also emphasized that California wasn't alone in following similar mandates, citing Florida as another example.
"We weren't the only state doing it, but the state of mind of the 'California Derangement Syndrome.' There's a 'Trump Derangement Syndrome,' no question. But there's also 'California Derangement Syndrome.' As if California stands unique in some of these interventions and respects. It's true in some but not all," he said.
