California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, faced significant criticism after labeling the joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran as an “illegal, dangerous war,” while also criticizing President Trump’s strategy towards Tehran.

In a statement on X, Newsom expressed, “The corrupt and oppressive Iranian regime must never acquire nuclear arms. The leadership in Iran needs to be replaced,” following the coordinated strikes launched by the US and Israel early on Saturday morning.

He continued, “However, this does not grant the President of the United States the right to engage in a perilous and unlawful war, risking American service members and allies without transparent justification to the American public.”

One user on X challenged, “So which is it, Gavin? Should they be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons and removed from power, or is the operation unjustified? Please clarify your position. If you aspire to be President, it’s crucial to make clear and decisive statements about your stance.”

The comments earned immediate criticism from those who questioned the potential 2028 presidential candidate‘s position.

“Which one is it Gavin? They can’t have nuclear weapons and need to be removed? Or the operation is not justified?” one X user responded. “Pick one stance please. If you want to run for President, you should get comfortable making bold statements on where you stand.”

Another defended the Trump’s authority, arguing Trump was within his constitutional powers to authorize the strikes: writing: “Not illegal — but you’d have to be able to read the Constitution to know that,” the user wrote.

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A third added that Newsom should simply stand behind his country.

“I know this is hard for you Gavin, so let’s try saying it together: ‘I support America,’” the user wrote.

Some cracked jokes at the governor’s expense.

“Iran is going to be free before California,” one user quipped.

“What’s the better course of action? Asking the leader of Iran to please resign? Maybe sending a fruit basket?” another chimed in.

Initial reports on the Iran attacks indicated a strike near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office in Tehran.

The military action followed weeks of stalled talks over Iran’s refusal to dismantle its nuclear program.