Gavin Newsom Slam Donald Trump, Saying He Is “Making a Fool and Mockery of Himself” After Abruptly Pausing U.S. Military Strikes on Iran Just Hours After Issuing a 48-Hour Ultimatum to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Gavin Newsom Slams Trump Over Sudden Iran Strike Pause, Calls Move “A Mockery of Leadership”

Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized Donald Trump after the president abruptly ordered a five-day pause on U.S. military strikes against Iran—just hours after issuing a firm 48-hour ultimatum demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a strongly worded response, Newsom accused Trump of “making a fool and mockery of himself on the world stage,” arguing that the rapid shift from aggressive rhetoric to sudden de-escalation sends confusing and potentially dangerous signals to both allies and adversaries.

“This is not leadership—it’s chaos,” Newsom said, according to statements circulating from his office. “You don’t issue a 48-hour ultimatum to a major geopolitical rival and then reverse course within hours. It undermines America’s credibility and makes us look unserious in the middle of a global crisis.”

The controversy stems from Trump’s earlier declaration that Iran had 48 hours to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route, or face intensified U.S. military action. However, in a surprising reversal, the administration soon announced a five-day pause on all strikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, describing the move as part of “productive” diplomatic efforts.

Newsom, a frequent critic of Trump’s foreign policy approach, said the abrupt pivot raises serious questions about consistency and strategy. “You cannot conduct foreign policy through impulse and contradiction,” he said. “This kind of back-and-forth weakens deterrence and emboldens adversaries.”

The governor’s remarks reflect broader concerns among critics who argue that mixed messaging could complicate already fragile tensions in the Middle East. Analysts warn that shifting from a hardline deadline to a temporary pause without clear explanation may create uncertainty about U.S. intentions, both militarily and diplomatically.

Supporters of the administration, however, have defended the move as a calculated decision aimed at opening space for negotiations while avoiding further escalation. They argue that flexibility in high-stakes conflicts is necessary and that the pause could signal a willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions.

Still, the timing of the decision—coming so soon after a public ultimatum—has drawn scrutiny. For Newsom and others, the issue is not just the policy itself but the optics and messaging surrounding it.

“At a moment when global stability is on the line, the United States needs clarity, consistency, and strength,” Newsom said. “What we’re seeing instead is confusion.”

As tensions with Iran continue, the clash between Newsom and Trump highlights a growing divide over how the U.S. should navigate one of the most volatile geopolitical flashpoints in the world.