California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a video on X, in which he stated that book bans, attacks on women’s rights, civil rights, and voting rights show MAGA wants to put America “in reverse.” The clip, filmed at a Democratic event in New Hampshire, accompanied the caption urging viewers not to “look the other way.” Online users reacted after the post, with many replies arguing that the claims about book bans are inaccurate and that Newsom should focus on issues in California.
In the clip, Newsom tells the audience, “Eleven thousand nine hundred and eighty-two books were banned in the United States of America last year.” He continues, “That’s because they organized. That’s why they went after the school boards. It’s targeting those librarians.” He then says, “These guys are not screwing around. They want to bring us back to a pre-1960s world. They want to put America in reverse,” adding that this has been seen “on women’s rights,” “on LGBTQ rights,” “on civil rights,” and “on voting rights,” before concluding, “They’re not screwing around and nor can we.”
The 11,982 figure matches a PEN America report tracking school library removals and restrictions during the 2025–26 school year, primarily in states such as Texas and Florida. The post doesn’t show earlier or later parts of the event, and replies note that adults can still buy or access the titles outside school libraries.
Responses to Newsom’s Remarks on Rights and Book Restrictions
Some commenters challenged the description of school library restrictions as book bans. One wrote, “There are NO book bans in America. Gavin Newsom is flat-out lying,” while another said, “The only books we want to ban in American schools are the pornographic type.”
Others focused on Newsom’s record in California and his appearance in New Hampshire. One reply stated, “Everything you say is actually true in the opposite. You’re a huge liar. Try focusing on fixing the problems of California!”
Another wrote, “All lies!!! Why is he in New Hampshire while California burns?? If he was a Republican, you’d be freaking out, hypocrite!!!”
A third said, “For all things sacred, can you just focus on California? Orange County is on fire again. Also, age-appropriate books are different from banning books. You’ve taken women’s rights away, especially in athletics.”
A smaller set of responses aligned with the post. One user replied simply “True,” and another wrote “Thank you!” in response to a clarification that the restrictions apply to school libraries rather than adult access.
The remarks add another moment to the ongoing discussion over school library policies and rights issues as the midterm campaigns continue. Online responses have centered on the accuracy of the claims and Newsom’s focus while California faces its own challenges.
