Halle Berry Questions Gavin Newsom’s Presidential Prospects: “He Probably Should Not Be the Next President”

Halle Berry spoke out against California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday at the New York Times DealBook Summit, saying he “probably should not be the next president.”

Berry criticized Newsom for overlooking women, particularly on issues related to menopause. She pointed to his lack of support for the Menopause Care Equity Act and his previous veto of a similar bill. “With the way he’s overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be the next president,” she said.

Berry explained that menopause affects more than just women. “When women are struggling silently through perimenopause and menopause, trying to hold their families, careers, relationships and communities together, it doesn’t just affect women, it affects every household,” she said.

“It affects the workplace, it affects the economy. One in six women leave the workplace due to their menopausal symptoms. So it affects everybody.”

The proposed bill, AB 432, would have required insurance to cover medically necessary menopause and perimenopause treatments, made continuing education on menopause mandatory for doctors, and directed the medical board to create a curriculum on the topic. Berry argued that insurance premiums would not increase significantly.

She urged everyone, not just women, to get involved in the fight for women’s health. “I need every woman in this country to fight with me. But the truth is, the fight isn’t just for us women. We need men too. We need all of the leaders, every single one of you in this room – this fight needs you. We need you to stay curious. We need you to ask questions. We need you to care even when the topic feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable,” Berry said.

Newsom, who also attended the summit, defended his previous veto of a similar bill in October, saying it would limit the ability of health plans to provide appropriate care while controlling costs. He added that the bill’s coverage mandate was too broad.

Berry closed her speech by emphasizing her commitment to advocating for women’s health. “At this stage of my life, I have zero f**** left to give,” she said.

Halle Berry’s speech highlights a critical issue that often gets overlooked—women’s health in midlife. Her blunt criticism of a powerful political figure shows how passionate she is about the cause. What do you think about her message and her comments on Governor Newsom? Share your thoughts in the comments.