Podcast Summary: This is Gavin Newsom – Episode: And, This is Speaker Newt Gingrich
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In this engaging episode of "This is Gavin Newsom", California Governor Gavin Newsom hosts former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich for a candid conversation addressing some of the most pressing political and national security issues of the day. The dialogue delves deep into topics such as the Ukraine conflict, the legacy of Donald Trump, defense reform, and the future of American innovation and governance.
1. Ukraine Conflict and Putin's Strategy (02:55 - 07:20)
Governor Newsom initiates the conversation by acknowledging Newt Gingrich's recent tweets concerning Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin. Newsom appreciates Gingrich's assertive stance on not underestimating Putin's strategies and emphasizes the need for a muscular response against Russian aggression.
Notable Quote:
Gavin Newsom (03:00): "You thought Putin would slow down? He's proving otherwise."
Gingrich responds by dissecting Putin's tactics, emphasizing the long-term strategic patience and the cultural divergence between Russia and Western nations. He critiques the current discourse, arguing that it's time to shift from understanding Putin as a Western figure to recognizing him as a distinct Russian persona with different cultural motivations.
Notable Quote:
Newt Gingrich (05:00): "We're dealing with a Russian figure, not a Western one. Russia's culture is fundamentally different from Western Europe."
2. Strategic Defense and Sanctions (05:36 - 07:44)
The discussion shifts to strategic defense measures and the imposition of sanctions against Russia. Gingrich outlines four major recommendations:
- Increase Weapons Supply: Providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry capable of reaching Russian territories.
- Authorize Fighting Within Russia: Empowering Ukrainian forces to operate inside Russian borders.
- Severe Oil Sanctions: Targeting Russia's primary revenue source by crippling oil sales.
- Impound Ships Carrying Illegal Oil: Enforcing strict measures against ships transporting Russian oil, thereby dismantling Putin's evasion tactics.
Gingrich also touches upon the significant amounts of Russian funds held in the West, advocating for redirecting these assets to support Ukraine, despite potential legal challenges.
Notable Quote:
Newt Gingrich (07:20): "If you own a ship and use it to carry Russian oil, you're going to lose the ship. We're going to impound it forever."
3. Trump's Political Impact and New Book "Trump's Triumph" (07:44 - 15:38)
Gingrich introduces his new book, "Trump's Triumph", scheduled for release on June 3rd. He positions former President Donald Trump among historical giants like Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR, highlighting Trump's unique ability to tap into the working-class sentiments and drive significant change in American politics.
Gingrich discusses how Trump's unconventional approach and business acumen have reshaped the conservative movement, arguing that Trump's actions and policies have earned him a legacy worthy of historical comparison.
Notable Quote:
Newt Gingrich (13:50): "If Trump dances well enough and wins the 2026 election, he'll earn a ticket to winning the 2028 election, placing him in a league with the great changemakers."
4. Innovation in Government and Defense Reform (27:36 - 51:42)
A substantial portion of the conversation revolves around the need for innovation and reform within the U.S. government and defense sectors. Gingrich criticizes the existing bureaucratic systems, emphasizing that large, inefficient organizations like the Pentagon hinder progress and innovation.
He advocates for:
- Streamlining Bureaucracies: Reducing the size and influence of outdated administrative systems.
- Embracing Entrepreneurial Change: Encouraging small companies and startups to contribute to defense and technological advancements.
- Modernizing Defense Strategies: Transitioning from traditional war-fighting to war-winning strategies that leverage modern technologies like AI, robotics, and drone warfare.
Gingrich underscores the importance of adaptability and agility in national security to effectively counter emerging threats in the modern battlefield.
Notable Quote:
Newt Gingrich (41:19): "We need to design war-winning strategies rather than just war-fighting strategies. It's about being agile and innovative."
5. Future Security and National Defense (47:03 - 51:42)
Gingrich delves into future security challenges, highlighting the evolving nature of warfare and the necessity for the U.S. to stay ahead through strategic innovation. He references historical battles to illustrate how failure to adapt can lead to significant defeats, drawing parallels to current military strategies.
He emphasizes the integration of emerging technologies and the need to rethink national security beyond conventional defense paradigms. Gingrich calls for a comprehensive review of national security policies to address threats like electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks and the surge in drone warfare.
Notable Quote:
Newt Gingrich (50:11): "Our current procurement system makes it difficult to be agile enough. We need entrepreneurial change akin to Silicon Valley's innovation."
6. Balancing Liberal Academic Institutions and National Interests (23:30 - 29:29)
The conversation touches upon the role of academic institutions in national development and security. Gingrich expresses concern over the perceived left-wing bias in universities, arguing that it stifles diverse ideas and undermines academic excellence.
He highlights the importance of American universities in advancing technological and scientific research, especially in competing with global powers like China. Gingrich raises questions about the balance between fostering international talent and safeguarding national interests, advocating for a more nuanced approach to immigration and academic collaboration.
Notable Quote:
Newt Gingrich (28:51): "American universities have been the breeding ground for China's technological advancements. We need to rethink how we balance openness with national security."
7. Reflections on Leadership and Governance (31:52 - 35:25)
Gingrich reflects on leadership qualities and the necessity for effective governance. He contrasts Trump's direct, action-oriented style with the traditional bureaucratic approach, emphasizing the need for common sense and efficient management in public institutions.
Discussing policy areas like healthcare and space exploration, Gingrich advocates for practical reforms aimed at reducing inefficiencies and promoting innovation. He criticizes the reliance on large corporations and bureaucratic inertia that impede progress in critical sectors.
Notable Quote:
Newt Gingrich (35:25): "If you take the Pentagon and turn two-thirds of it into a museum, you'd have a better defense system overnight."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Governor Newsom expressing gratitude for Newt Gingrich's participation, highlighting the significance of their conversation in bridging political divides and fostering informed discussions on national priorities. The dialogue underscores the necessity for bipartisan efforts in addressing complex challenges facing the United States, from international conflicts to domestic governance and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Response to Russia: Emphasizing a strong, multifaceted approach to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine.
- Historical Legacy of Trump: Positioning Donald Trump as a transformative figure with a lasting impact on American politics.
- Need for Government Reform: Advocating for streamlined bureaucracies and enhanced innovation within defense and public sectors.
- Balancing Academia and National Security: Addressing the complexities of international collaboration in academic institutions while safeguarding national interests.
- Future of Warfare: Preparing for evolving threats through technological advancements and strategic planning.
This detailed summary captures the essence of Gavin Newsom and Newt Gingrich's conversation, providing insightful perspectives on key political and national security issues without the inclusion of advertisements or non-content segments.