Halle Berry Criticizes Gavin Newsom for Presidency
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Halle Berry Criticizes Gavin Newsom’s Veto of Menopause Care Bill, Questions Presidential Ambitions
What Happened?
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday, November 13, 2025. Berry specifically addressed Newsom’s repeated vetoes of Assembly Bill 432 (AB 432), legislation aimed at expanding insurance coverage for menopause-related care and treatment. She questioned whether his actions demonstrate a disregard for women’s health and suggested he would not be a suitable presidential candidate in 2028.
Berry, 59, spoke candidly about her personal experiences with perimenopause symptoms, framing the issue as a meaningful health concern affecting a large portion of the population. She stated that Newsom’s vetoes, occurring in both 2024 and 2025, signaled a devaluation of women in mid-life.
The Vetoed Bill: AB 432
Assembly Bill 432, introduced by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, sought to mandate that health insurance plans cover a range of menopause-related services, including hormone therapy, counseling, and diagnostic testing. Proponents argued that the bill would address a critical gap in healthcare access for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, alleviating financial burdens and improving quality of life.
governor Newsom vetoed the bill twice, citing concerns about the potential cost to the state budget and the scope of mandated coverage. In his veto message, he indicated a willingness to explore alternative solutions for improving menopause care access but maintained that AB 432 was not fiscally responsible.
| Bill Number | Year Introduced | Key Provisions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB 432 | 2024 | Mandated insurance coverage for menopause-related care. | Vetoed by Governor Newsom |
| AB 432 | 2025 | Mandated insurance coverage for menopause-related care. | Vetoed by Governor Newsom |
Newsom’s Response and Context
A spokesperson for Governor Newsom responded to Berry’s criticism on Thursday, November 14, 2025, stating that the governor “has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue.” The statement affirmed Newsom’s commitment to expanding access to menopause care,acknowledging the challenges many women face in obtaining necessary treatment.
This incident occurs as Governor Newsom is widely speculated to be considering a run for the presidency in 2028. His potential candidacy has already drawn scrutiny from various groups, and Berry’s public rebuke adds another layer of complexity to his political prospects. The issue of women’s health, especially menopause care, has gained increasing prominence in recent years, becoming a key concern for voters.
What Does this Mean?
Halle Berry’s outspoken criticism highlights the growing frustration among advocates for women’s health regarding the lack of complete insurance coverage for menopause-related care. Her platform as a prominent actress amplifies the voices of millions of women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, bringing increased attention to this frequently enough-overlooked health issue.
The incident also underscores the political risks associated with decisions that might potentially be perceived as