Halle Berry Torches Gavin Newsom: “He Shouldn’t Be President”

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By San Diego Monitor News Staff

Halle Berry intensified the national conversation around women’s health on December 3 when she openly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom during the New York Times DealBook Summit, telling the audience that he “should not be our next president.” Her comments drew immediate attention, not only because of their directness, but also because they were delivered moments before Newsom himself appeared on the same stage.

The exchange highlighted a growing tension between Hollywood advocates, public health activists, and Sacramento leadership over how menopause and midlife women’s health are treated in policy.

Berry focused her criticism on Newsom’s decision to veto the Menopause Care Equity Act (AB 432) for the second consecutive year. The legislation aimed to require broader insurance coverage for menopause-related treatments and to expand physician training in diagnosing and treating menopause symptoms. Supporters of the bill argue that California, despite its reputation for progressive health policy, lags behind on issues that affect millions of women.

The measure passed both legislative chambers with bipartisan support, making its veto especially controversial among health advocates. For Berry, who has spoken candidly about her own challenges navigating menopause in Hollywood and in the healthcare system, the veto symbolizes what she sees as a persistent pattern of disregarding women’s needs. She told the audience that when leaders dismiss menopause care, they dismiss the wellbeing of “half the population.” She also emphasized that menopause is not a niche issue, but a universal stage of life for all women, one that is still surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and inadequate medical training.

The actress noted that many women are misdiagnosed or go untreated for years, often being told their symptoms are insignificant or unrelated to menopause. She described this as a systemic failure that leaves millions struggling with physical, emotional, and economic consequences. According to Berry, Newsom’s decision not only maintains the status quo but also sends a message that midlife women are expendable in political decision-making.

Berry’s public rebuke comes at a time when Newsom is widely viewed as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race. Her remarks may influence how voters—especially women, who make up a decisive voting bloc—evaluate his leadership. While

Newsom has championed several high-profile social programs, critics argue that his stance on menopause care reveals blind spots in his approach to gender equity. Political analysts say Berry’s comments could become a reference point in future debates about Newsom’s national ambitions.

Advocates for AB 432 have also expressed concern that vetoing the bill reinforces disparities in healthcare access. Many women in California report long wait times, limited specialist availability, and out-of-pocket costs for treatments that could have been covered under the proposed legislation.

Supporters point out that insurance companies routinely cover erectile dysfunction medication for men, while women face obstacles obtaining hormonal therapies or consultations tailored to menopause.

Berry ended her remarks by urging women to “fight” for representation and recognition, calling on them not to accept invisibility in their midlife years. Her message resonated deeply with many in the audience and across social media, where clips of her appearance quickly spread. Numerous women shared stories of being dismissed or misdiagnosed, adding to a growing public demand for better education, insurance coverage, and research around menopause.

In California, the debate is far from over. Several lawmakers have signaled plans to reintroduce menopause-related legislation next session, suggesting that the issue will continue to loom large in Sacramento. Meanwhile, Berry’s criticism has drawn nationwide attention, elevating what is often a private struggle into a broader public conversation about equity, leadership, and the responsibilities of those seeking higher office.

As discussions about reproductive and women’s health continue to evolve, the clash between Berry and Newsom has become emblematic of a larger national question: how seriously will policymakers take the needs of midlife women in the years ahead? For many voters, Berry’s stance reflects a frustration that has been building for decades. And for Newsom, the controversy adds a new layer of scrutiny as he considers his political future.