Academy Award-winning actress and health advocate Halle Berry publicly rebuked California Governor Gavin Newsom at the New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday, suggesting his repeated vetoes of menopause legislation make him unfit for the presidency.
Speaking to an audience of business leaders and policymakers, Berry expressed her frustration with the California governor’s refusal to sign the Menopause Care Equity Act into law for the second consecutive year. The legislation aimed to expand insurance coverage for menopause treatments and mandate specialized training for healthcare providers.
“At this stage in my life, I have zero f–ks left to give,” Berry told the crowd, setting a candid tone before addressing the political controversy.
Berry, who has become a vocal advocate for women’s midlife health through her company, Respin, directly connected Newsom’s policy decisions to his potential political ambitions. Newsom is widely considered a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.
“Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one, but two years in a row,” Berry said. She continued with a sharp critique of his leadership regarding women’s issues: “But that’s OK, because he’s not going to be governor forever, and the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us, he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”
The actress’s comments drew audible gasps from the audience at Lincoln Center, particularly given that Newsom was scheduled to speak at the same event later that day. Berry argued that the vetoes contribute to a culture that marginalizes older women.
“In 2025 I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country,” she stated. “Our culture thinks that, at 59 years old, I am past my prime, and that women my age start to become invisible in Hollywood, in the workplace, on social media.”
Governor Newsom’s office responded to the criticism by reiterating his concern over the financial impact of the proposed legislation. In a statement, Newsom’s spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, explained that while the governor supports the goal of expanding care, the specific bill was rejected due to cost implications.
“The Governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue,” Gardon stated. “He vetoed the bill because, as written, it would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women already stretched thin — something he’s determined to avoid.”
Despite the explanation, Berry’s public rebuke highlights a growing tension between political fiscal responsibility and the demand for comprehensive women’s health reform. Her remarks signal that women’s health issues may play a more pivotal role in evaluating future presidential candidates.
