Kinzinger rips Newsom’s ‘stupidity’ for inviting Bannon on podcast

Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) is blasting California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for hosting conservative media figure and President Trump ally Steve Bannon on his newly launched podcast this week.

“I am in shock at the stupidity of [Newsom] inviting Steve Bannon on his podcast,” Kinzinger wrote in a social media post on Wednesday. “Many of us on the right sacrificed careers to fight Bannon, and Newsom is trying to make a career and a presidential run by building him up.”

The lawmaker-turned-CNN-commentator called the booking by Newsom “unforgivable and insane.”

Newsom’s podcast has fueled speculation he is eyeing a run for president in 2028 and irked some Democrats with guests he has hosted and some comments he has made on issues such as transgender athletes.

He sat down with conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk for the debut episode, while Bannon is the highest profile booking Newsom has landed in Trump’s orbit yet.

“Bannon is the one who is basically the author of where we are,” Kinzinger said. “And because Gavin Newsom wants to run for president, he brings on this nationalist.”