Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger slammed California Gov. Gavin Newsom for bringing controversial MAGA acolyte Steve Bannon onto his podcast.
Appearing on CNN’s Table for Five on Saturday, Kinzinger accused Newsom of opportunism for hosting Bannon—a conspiracy theorist who continues to push the false claim that President Donald Trump won the 2020 election.
“I always thought he was kind of a ‘he’ll be whatever he needs to be' politician—this is way worse," said Kinzinger, who represented Illinois in the House of Representatives. “There are many of us that actually—I’m not saying this for sympathy—basically sacrificed a career taking on Steve Bannon. Newsom is trying to build a career.“
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Observers have suggested Newsom may be positioning himself to run for president in 2028 by courting the ring wing.
The Republican National Committee censured Kinzinger after he criticized Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election. He did not seek reelection in 2022.
The former Illinois congressman argued that Bannon wasn’t just a typical political opponent, listing conspiracy theories he has spread, his role in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection, and his jail sentence for defying a congressional subpoena.
“This is a bad man, and to platform him ... this is nuts,” he said.
On Newsom’s podcast, Bannon reiterated his claim that Trump won the 2020 election. Newsom failed to challenge Bannon’s assertion and instead praised him for his efforts to get Trump back into office.
“I appreciate the notion of agency, that we’re not bystanders in the world, it’s decisions not conditions that determine our fate and future,” he said.
Newsom had previously faced backlash from progressives after breaking ranks on transgender rights and hosting another MAGA firebrand, Charlie Kirk, on his podcast.
Challenged by Kirk on trans athletes participating in women’s sports, Newsom said, “I completely agree with you on that. It’s deeply unfair.”
