Halle Berry, the acclaimed actress and advocate for women’s health, delivered strong criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom during her appearance at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday. Through direct remarks at the event in New York, Berry questioned Newsom’s suitability for the presidency, highlighting his record of vetoes on bills intended to expand access to hormone therapy—a matter she identified as central to her advocacy work and vital for both menopausal women and transgender youth.
Hormone Therapy Access at the Heart of Berry’s Critique
Representing her women’s health and menopause advocacy organization, Respin, Berry praised legislative advances in some states to support hormone replacement therapy. She contrasted this with California’s approach under Newsom. Berry pointed out that Newsom vetoed proposals requiring insurers to offer 12 months of hormone therapy coverage—measures she argued were necessary for supporting women’s health. She directly addressed the consequences of what she views as the governor’s neglect, saying,
“He’s not gonna be governor forever,”
and,
“And with the way he’s overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president, either.”
— Halle Berry, Actress and Advocate
Governor Newsom’s Response and Event Reactions
A spokesperson for Gavin Newsom referenced his official veto statement connected with the latest hormone therapy coverage bill, AB 432, explaining his position as follows:
“a bill that does not strike the important, and achievable, balance between expanding access to this essential treatment and the affordability of care.”
— Gavin Newsom, California Governor
This marked the second consecutive time Newsom had vetoed such legislation. The governor, present at the same summit, chose not to address Berry’s public comments during his own time onstage, where he shared the platform with figures like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, YouTube creator MrBeast, and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk.
Audience Reactions and Call for Broader Action
Berry’s frank criticism caused an audible response among the audience of business executives and corporate aides in the room. Her comments came just prior to Newsom’s own main stage appearance, lending urgency to her message. She turned to the attendees with a direct appeal:
“We need all of the leaders,”
— Halle Berry, Actress and Advocate.
“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. We need you to have the conversation anyway,because when women are struggling silently with pre-menopause and menopause, trying to hold their families, careers, relationships and communities together, it doesn’t just affect women. It affects every household.”
— Halle Berry, Actress and Advocate
Potential Political Impact and Continued Debate
Halle Berry’s outspoken criticism at a high-profile event draws attention to deep policy debates surrounding women’s health, particularly menopause care and hormone therapy. By questioning Newsom’s leadership on these issues—as well as his potential for higher office—Berry has added new energy to an ongoing national conversation. The discussion is likely to continue as voters, policymakers, and advocacy groups debate how best to address women’s health needs both in California and across the country.
