Spotify podcaster Joe Rogan didn’t hold back when he criticized Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, over comments he made during the ongoing wildfires.
The titular host of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” called out what he described as Newsom’s inappropriate timing and attitude, especially while his constituents were afflicted by losing everything they own.
“The governor gave this creepy speech where he was talking about speculators coming in. And talking about what to do with the land of all these homes that have been burnt down,” Rogan began.
“It’s still only 6% contained,” he noted of the fires. “He did this little dance like I’ve been talking with these, you know, with the governor of Hawaii about what to do. We got some ideas.”
Joe Rogan on Governor Gavin Newsom’s giddy shoulder shake when talking about speculators coming in
“What’s really weird is he does like this little dance with his shoulders when he talks about it.” pic.twitter.com/rwArLz52iQ
— 𝕁𝔼𝔽𝔽𝔼ℝ𝕊𝕆ℕ𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝕆𝕃𝕀ℕ (@Rust_And_Decay) January 14, 2025
The governor was seen on local television discussing the crisis among the burnt out devastation in Los Angeles.
While addressing the potential risks of property speculators targeting areas affected by fire damage, Newsom gave a peculiar smile and performed what some interpreted as a shuffle with his shoulders. His actions, according to Rogan, were “disgusting.”
The podcast host didn’t stop there, pointing to what he believes are larger issues with wildfire management in California.
What the actual fuck is wrong with Governor Gavin Newsom, grinning like a maniac while talking about speculators snatching up wildfire-ravaged properties? pic.twitter.com/pFVxVr8TV3
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) January 13, 2025
Rogan accused the state of failing to take necessary preventive actions, such as clearing brush and maintaining reservoirs, which could have mitigated the fire’s impact.
“The fire insurance pulled out of California like, I think, like 69% of fire insurance pulled out of California because they’re, like, this is too crazy. Like you guys aren’t doing jack to manage this,” he pointed out.
“You’re not clearing the brush. The amount of money they could have saved by just clearing brush. By filling the reservoir, that 11-million-gallon reservoir was completely empty during the time of full fire season. Like, why didn’t you fix that?” Rogan asked.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson took aim at Newsom over social media following a video posted by the governor.
Newsom’s video criticized Republican lawmakers, particularly Johnson, over proposing conditional aid to California for fire recovery.
“Never in California questioned whether or not we as taxpayers in the largest state in the Union should support the people of Louisiana at a time of emergency and need. We never conditioned it,” Newsom stated in the video.
He continued, “A state with millions and millions of Trump supporters, Speaker Johnson and Mr. President-elect. Millions of your supporters are out here. They need your help. They need your empathy. They need your care, whatever compassion you can express as opposed to condemnation.”
Instead of making highly produced clap back videos with social media influencers, you should get to work helping Californians.
You’re the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it. https://t.co/ipKHFse0kU
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 16, 2025
The debate arose after some GOP lawmakers suggested tying federal aid to specific wildfire preparedness requirements.
These conditions would include measures like clearing dead brush in fire-prone zones and enhancing water infrastructure to combat future blazes.
“Instead of making highly produced clap back videos with social media influencers, you should get to work helping Californians,” Johnson fired back on X. “You’re the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it.”
Adding his skepticism to the mix was HBO host Bill Maher, who voiced his criticism of California’s leadership while speaking with TMZ.
During the interview, Maher argued that the state’s bureaucracy and regulatory hurdles were part of what exacerbated its wildfire issues.
Maher made it clear that he didn’t see this as a strictly partisan problem, but rather an issue of governmental accountability, explaining,
“I always think there’s a middle of the road, actual practical solution to everything and for this I would say, was California’s uber progressive politics the cause of this fire? Of course not,” he asked and answered.
“Did it impede them to some degree? Absolutely. That’s the margin of error that I’m saying we can’t abide by anymore,” Maher continued.
The comedian pointed out his own frustrations with California’s extensive regulations, sharing anecdotes about difficulties installing solar panels and a small shed on his property.
“Now, as far as the red tape, I see that they’re all — Newsom, Bass — they’re all saying, we’re going to cut red tape, as if they’re doing us a favor,” Maher said.
“My question is, well, if you can do it now, why didn’t you always do it? Obviously, it can be done. It’s not a favor to us to cut the red tape. Why do we live in this state, in this red tape nightmare the other times of the year when we’re not on fire?”
Newsom has since announced efforts to address rebuilding in areas devastated by the wildfires, vowing to slash bureaucracy for those looking to reconstruct their homes. He also pledged to crack down on developers seeking to exploit the situation.
To that end, the governor signed an executive order aimed at preventing opportunistic investors from taking advantage of affected residents.
The order specifically targets those offering quick cash deals for destroyed properties at undervalued prices.
Watch Maher’s full interview with TMZ here: