Newsom and Beshear Criticize Trump’s Iran War Strategy in New Hampshire Visits
Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, both viewed as possible 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, used early‑March appearances in New Hampshire to sharply question President Trump’s handling of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran and his use of war powers. Speaking at a Democratic fundraiser in Keene, Beshear said Trump has failed to offer a consistent justification for the war, accused him of using force before diplomacy, and argued Congress should have reined in his authority after he launched strikes days after the State of the Union without fully informing the public. On a Portsmouth book‑tour stop, Newsom said he is “very angry” about the war and faulted Trump for being “inarticulate and incapable” of explaining why the campaign started, why now, and what the endgame is, even while clarifying that his recent reference to Israel as an “apartheid state” was meant to echo columnist Thomas Friedman’s critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation and judicial moves. Their comments reflect how the Iran war is already becoming a litmus test inside the Democratic Party on executive war powers, Israel policy and Middle East strategy, with politically engaged New Hampshire voters telling CBS they are “horrified” by events in Iran and closely weighing 2028 hopefuls’ stances.
📌 Key Facts
- Gov. Andy Beshear told CBS News in Keene, New Hampshire, that Trump has not provided a stable justification for the Iran war and is “trying to ignore Congress” and the American people.
- Beshear criticized Trump for launching the Iran attack three to four days after the State of the Union without clearly outlining the Iranian threat or an endgame.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom, at a March 5, 2026 Portsmouth, New Hampshire event, said he is “very angry” about the war and that Trump has not articulated the rationale, timing, or objectives of the campaign.
- Newsom clarified that his description of Israel as an “apartheid state” referenced Tom Friedman’s column about Netanyahu’s West Bank annexation plans and domestic power moves.
- New Hampshire attendees told CBS the Iran war is a top concern, and some said they chose to hear Newsom because of his social‑media statements on the conflict.
📊 Relevant Data
67% of Americans under the age of 35 oppose U.S. military action against Iran, compared to 53% of those aged 35-49, while overall opposition stands at 56%.
Poll: Majority of voters disapprove of how Trump has handled Iran — NBC News
86% of Democrats oppose U.S. military action in Iran, compared to only 15% of Republicans, with overall opposition at 56%.
Poll: A majority of Americans opposes U.S. military action in Iran — NPR
Black Americans comprise 16.8% of active-duty U.S. military personnel, compared to 13.6% of the total U.S. population, indicating overrepresentation in the armed forces.
2023 Demographics Report — Military OneSource
The average age of active-duty enlisted U.S. military members is 27.4 years, while officers average 34.3 years.
2023 Demographics Report — Military OneSource
Palestinians constitute more than 80% of the Jordan Valley's population in the West Bank but are restricted to roughly 5% of the territory due to Israeli policies.
The Future of the West Bank: Settler Takeover and Annexation — Al-Shabaka
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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