FridayOL

ROME – California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a stark warning about the state of American democracy, asserting that it is “under attack before our very eyes.” In a forceful critique, Newsom directly blamed former President Donald Trump for actively dismantling the foundational principles laid down by the country’s founders.

Speaking to a crowd in Rome, Newsom delivered a passionate speech emphasizing the fragility of democratic institutions and the urgent need to defend them. He argued that Trump’s actions and rhetoric have created a climate of division and distrust, actively eroding the core tenets of American governance. “We are seeing the very foundations of our democracy shaken,” Newsom declared, “and it is a crisis we cannot afford to ignore.”

The Governor didn't shy away from directly naming Trump, stating that the former president’s actions are “devastating the project of our founders.” He pointed to Trump’s persistent claims of a stolen election, his attacks on the judiciary, and his encouragement of political violence as evidence of a deliberate effort to undermine democratic processes.

Newsom's visit to Italy offered a unique opportunity to draw parallels between the struggles for democracy in the past and the challenges facing the United States today. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding free and fair elections, protecting the rule of law, and ensuring that all citizens have a voice in their government.

“We have a responsibility to defend the values that have made our nation great,” Newsom insisted. “That means standing up against those who seek to undermine our democratic institutions, regardless of their political affiliation.” He called on all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs, to recognize the threat posed by extremism and to work together to preserve the democratic ideals that have guided the nation for centuries.

The Governor’s comments come at a time of heightened political tensions in the United States, with many Americans expressing concern about the future of democracy. Newsom's message served as a powerful reminder that democratic institutions are not guaranteed and require constant vigilance and protection.

Newsom’s visit to Europe and his strong statements are likely to fuel further debate about the state of American democracy and the role of political leaders in safeguarding it. His words resonate with a growing chorus of voices warning about the dangers of political polarization and the erosion of democratic norms.