Hollywood star and health advocate Halle Berry has launched a stinging public rebuke of California Governor Gavin Newsom, suggesting his repeated veto of a key menopause bill indicates he is unfit for higher office.
Public Condemnation at High-Profile Summit
During a candid speech at The New York Times' DealBook conference in New York City on Wednesday 3 December 2025, the 59-year-old actor did not mince her words. Berry directly addressed the governor's actions regarding the Menopause Care Equity Act, a California bill designed to expand healthcare coverage and education for women navigating menopause symptoms.
"Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one but two years in a row," Berry told the audience. She followed this with a pointed political warning: "And with the way he's overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either."
The Core of the Controversy
The legislation, which had been passed by the state legislature, was vetoed by Governor Newsom earlier this year. He also rejected a similar bill in 2024. In a letter to legislators, the 58-year-old Democrat justified his decision by stating the proposed act was "too far-reaching."
Berry has consistently challenged this reasoning. In a column for Time Magazine last month, she argued that insurance premiums would not be substantially altered by the bill and labelled the veto a "failure of Gov. Newsom's commitment to women." Her 15-minute talk at the summit echoed this sentiment, calling for policymakers to champion more research and care for women's health issues.
Political Repercussions and Presidential Speculation
This criticism arrives amid intense speculation that Gavin Newsom is positioning himself for a potential 2028 Democratic presidential run, possibly against Donald Trump. While Newsom has garnered support for his vocal opposition to Trump's policies, Berry's comments highlight a significant vulnerability regarding his record on women's health.
A representative for Governor Newsom did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Berry's statements. Notably, Newsom is also scheduled to speak at the same DealBook summit, an annual event featuring high-profile discussions on pressing topics.
Despite Berry's stark warning, Newsom's political standing remains strong with certain voter blocs. His forceful pushback against Donald Trump has attracted support from various quarters, including some young men and Republicans, who view him as a potential formidable candidate in the next election cycle.
