Halle Berry Blasts Gavin Newsom Over Menopause Bill Vetoes, Questions His Presidential Future & Women's Health Stance

Halle Berry Blasts Governor Newsom Over Menopause Bill Vetoes, Questions Presidential Fitness

Hollywood icon Halle Berry unleashed a scathing critique against California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, publicly challenging his leadership and questioning his suitability for a future presidential bid. Her fiery remarks, delivered at the high-profile DealBook Summit, centered on Newsom's repeated vetoes of a critical menopause care bill, which Berry views as a blatant disregard for women's health.

A Star's Blunt Assessment of Political Leadership

With a directness that captivated her audience, Berry declared, "At this stage in my life, I have zero f—ks left to give." She then turned her attention to the California governor, stating, "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… he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying." These pointed comments, made just hours before Newsom was scheduled to speak at the same event at Lincoln Center, reportedly elicited gasps from the crowd.

Newsom, whose second term as governor concludes in 2026, has openly expressed interest in a 2028 presidential campaign and frequently appears in early Democratic primary polls alongside other prominent figures like Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg.

Advocating for Midlife Women's Health

Berry, 59, has emerged as a vocal advocate for expanded menopause care, leveraging her health company, Respin, to champion the cause. She passionately criticized what she perceives as a pervasive cultural and institutional devaluation of older women in society. "In 2025 I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country," she asserted, highlighting the societal pressure for women in midlife "to stay forever 35."

The legislation in question, vetoed by Newsom for the second consecutive October, aimed to mandate that healthcare plans include recommendations for menopause treatment and require specialized training for healthcare providers.

Newsom's Office Responds: Cost Concerns vs. Care

In response to Berry's powerful statements, Newsom's spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, clarified the governor's position to The New York Post. Gardon emphasized Newsom's "deep admiration for Ms Berry’s advocacy" and his support for the underlying issue of menopause care. However, Gardon stated that the bill was rejected due to concerns that, "as written, it would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women." The administration, Gardon added, is committed to expanding access to menopause care while simultaneously "protecting women from higher bills."

This public clash underscores the ongoing debate surrounding women's health legislation, political accountability, and the broader societal perception of aging women, especially as national political ambitions come into play.