Halle Berry Critiques Governor Newsom at Dealbook Summit
At the Dealbook Summit on Wednesday, Halle Berry took a pointed stance against California Governor Gavin Newsom. She expressed her frustration after the state legislature rejected a menopause care bill, stating she felt she had “nothing left to say” regarding his repeated veto decisions. Berry warned that if “middle-aged” women continue to be sidelined, it could jeopardize Newsom’s prospects for the presidency.
Berry, who is the founder of a menopause care company, criticized Newsom for neglecting a crucial issue affecting many women. The bill aimed to require health plans to cover assessments and treatment for menopause, yet it was vetoed not once, but twice. According to Berry, this pattern highlights a broader cultural issue—namely, how midlife women are undervalued.
“Back in my great state of California, my own Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a menopause bill for not one, but two years in a row,” Berry told the audience. “But that’s OK. He’s not going to be governor forever, and given the way he’s neglected half the population, women, by devaluing us in middle age, he probably shouldn’t be the next president. I’m just saying.”
Although Newsom was scheduled to speak right after Berry, he did not directly address her comments when he later took the stage.
The menopause bill Berry highlighted sought to promote research and education on the subject, proposing a funding boost of $275 million over five years for education aimed at both healthcare providers and the general public.
“In 2025, there is still much to be said, discovered, and revealed, especially for women who are reaching middle age and contemplating their longevity,” Berry added during her talk. “Because in 2025, I, Halle Berry, and women of my generation will simply be worth less in this country.”
Following the summit, Newsom’s spokesperson stated that he vetoed the bill because it would raise healthcare costs for an already burdened demographic of working women. According to Izzy Gurdon, Newsom respects Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to potential collaboration, but he maintains that the current bill’s provisions would unintentionally escalate expenses.
“He vetoed this bill because, as written, it would unintentionally increase healthcare costs for millions of already stretched working women, something he is determined to avoid at all costs,” Gurdon clarified.
As the Democratic primary for the 2028 election looms, Newsom holds a slight lead in polls over other candidates, but the results fluctuate, with some indicating that former Vice President Kamala Harris is edging ahead.
“Last year, I vetoed a substantially similar bill, saying it would limit health plans’ ability to engage in medical practices proven to ensure adequate care while limiting unnecessary costs,” Newsom noted. “Despite my calls for a more tailored solution, that remains the case with this bill.”
In response to the governor’s statements, Berry countered, asserting that any potential cost increases would be minimal and criticized the emphasis on financial concerns as exaggerated.
“I need every woman in this country to fight with me,” Berry declared. “But the truth is, this fight isn’t just about us women. We need men, too. We need all of our leaders. We ask you to remain curious and ask questions, even if the topic is unfamiliar and uncomfortable.”
