Newsom Criticizes Trump’s Weight Following Hegseth’s Comments on ‘Overweight’ Leaders
California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently drawn attention for his remarks regarding President Donald Trump’s physical fitness. This public commentary came in the wake of a rally overseen by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, where he made controversial statements about the physical appearance of military personnel, asserting that there is “no room for fat generals” or overweight troops within the ranks of the U.S. military.
Hegseth gathered high-ranking military officials in Virginia to emphasize the importance of physical fitness among service members. His remarks highlighted a growing concern within the military about maintaining a fit and capable armed force. During this unusual assembly of senior military officers, Hegseth stated, “Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops.” He went on to express discontent with the physical condition of military leaders, calling it “completely unacceptable” to witness overweight generals and admirals operating within the Pentagon.
In response to these comments, Newsom, who has established a reputation for his social media presence and his critiques of Trump, took to Twitter to share a photograph of the former president. In the picture, Trump is seen on a 2024 campaign stop, with his shirt somewhat untucked, which drew laughter from some observers. Newsom humorously captioned this image, suggesting that the president “needs to go.” This commentary comes amid ongoing speculation about Newsom’s political future, as he has been frequently discussed as a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
Newsom’s remarks, which could be perceived as a strategic distancing from the sitting president, coincide with his recent concerns about the future of American democracy should Trump, who is constitutionally barred from serving a third consecutive term, reign over the country like a dictator. The White House has dismissed these speculations as “absurd.”
As for Trump’s health, official measurements released by the White House indicate that he stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 224 pounds, though previous court documents have reported differing weights, leading to continued public discourse on the matter. Newsom himself is ineligible to seek a third term in California, having already served two successive terms as governor.
This ongoing situation not only shines a spotlight on the physical standards being propagated within the military but also highlights the dynamic tensions within American politics as forthcoming elections approach.
