California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned overindulging in former President Donald Trump's legal troubles could give him an advantage in the upcoming November election.
Newsom discussed Trump's alleged "hush money" trial currently underway in New York City during a Sunday appearance on MSNBC with host Jen Psaki.
Psaki, who previously served as President Joe Biden's White House press secretary, noted a "chorus" of people believed Trump's legal battles were assisting his favorability in the upcoming election. The former press secretary said the idea was "crazy," though Newsom appeared to agree with the sentiment.
"This is a guy that doesn't care if he is the hero or the heel. He just wants to be the star," Newsom said of Trump. "In so many ways, he gets what he wants."
Newsom said much of the focus on Trump distracted from legitimate concerns over the former president.
"When we are focusing on him, I do worry electorally that he has a slight advantage," Newsom continued. "I am a little concerned about the overindulgence around the day-to-day."
The California governor said he understood the consequences of Trump's trial could be "profound and outsized," though "not more outsized than democracy."
"More outsized than Dobbs," Newsom added of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling on 2022's Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.Loading...
Newsom noted Trump's trial overshadowed news of independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being placed on Michigan's ballot, referring to it as "consequential."
"I tend to be in that camp," Newsom said. "A little less is more, as it relates to our obsession and focus on putting any more bright lights on someone who seeks them, no matter how ill-conceived or ill-willed or ill-fated his current standing might be."
Former President Donald Trump currently faces 34 felony charges ranging from falsifying business records to concealing an alleged $130,000 "hush money" payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential run. Judge Juan M. Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, issued a gag-order for the former president in late-March and later ordered Trump's mandatory attendance throughout the duration of the trial upon its Monday commencement.
Some have suggested Trump should defy Judge Merchan's orders and attend his son's graduation, noting the move could connect to voters with children.
Twelve jurors were seated on Thursday followed by the selection of alternate jurors, who were sworn in on Friday.
Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today.
