Former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle is back in the political spotlight, but this time, not with Donald Trump Jr.
After their breakup last year, Guilfoyle has rekindled a professional connection with her ex-husband, California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom’s Political Shift and Podcast Debut
Newsom, who has been a prominent Democratic figure, surprised many when he launched a podcast with conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
The podcast quickly gained attention as Newsom made headlines for breaking with traditional liberal stances, especially on issues like transgender women competing in sports.
During the podcast, Newsom, 57, and Kirk, who is known for his heated exchanges with progressive students on college campuses, discussed several topics, including Newsom’s evolving political views.
The Connection Between Newsom, Kirk, and Guilfoyle
Charlie Kirk explained how the interview came about, revealing that he received a call from Governor Newsom two weeks prior, facilitated by none other than Kimberly Guilfoyle.
The two have a history together—Guilfoyle and Newsom were married from 2001 to 2006 when Newsom served as mayor of San Francisco.
“I got a phone call from Governor Newsom two weeks ago, we connected through Kimberly Guilfoyle – obviously, they have a shared past,” Kirk told Fox 11.
Kirk also praised Newsom, calling him someone who “wants to be President more than any other human being alive.”
Guilfoyle and Newsom’s History
Guilfoyle, 55, and Newsom had an intense public marriage that ended in 2006. Afterward, Guilfoyle married businessman Eric Villency, but that ended in 2009.
She later gained further fame for her high-profile engagement with Donald Trump Jr.
However, their relationship ended in 2024, shortly before Trump Jr. was spotted with socialite Bettina Anderson.
Meanwhile, Newsom moved on to marry actress Jennifer Siebel in 2008.
Their Rare Comments About Each Other
In 2023, Newsom and Guilfoyle gave rare interviews about their past relationship.
Newsom described his ex-wife as “whip-smart” and ambitious but remarked that she had changed over time.
“She fell prey, I think, to the culture at Fox in a deep way,” he said, implying that her political views had shifted toward the right.
Guilfoyle didn’t hold back in her response, calling Newsom the one who had changed. “I didn’t change, [Newsom] did,” she fired back on Kirk’s podcast.
She accused Newsom of straying from his past values, particularly his support for small businesses and working-class people, suggesting he had become influenced by the “radical left.”
Newsom’s Criticism Amid Wildfire Crisis
Newsom’s podcast and his handling of the California wildfires have drawn criticism.
The state is still recovering from the catastrophic wildfires that claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
While Newsom focused on launching his podcast, critics argue that his attention seemed diverted from the pressing needs of the state.
Some see his new podcast venture as a way to prepare for a possible presidential run in 2028, especially since he is term-limited as California Governor by 2026.
By hosting Kirk, Newsom signals his intention to appeal to centrist voters and possibly moderate conservatives, positioning himself as a potential candidate who is open to bipartisan dialogue.
Mixed Reactions to Newsom’s Political Stance
While some observers praised Newsom and Kirk for their civil and respectful conversation, others mocked Newsom’s more recent ideological shifts.
The governor’s claim that he is raising a young conservative also sparked commentary, especially from those who expected him to remain firmly in the liberal camp.
In any case, Newsom’s willingness to engage with figures like Kirk could mark a turning point in his political career, signaling that he might be looking to appeal to a broader base in the future.
As the political world watches, it will be interesting to see how this partnership evolves and what it means for Newsom’s aspirations in the years to come.