# Gavin Newsom's pandemic regrets > California governor admits past pandemic mistakes but faces skepticism. - Title: Gavin Newsom's pandemic regrets · California Post | Shortify - Summary: California governor admits past pandemic mistakes but faces skepticism. Gavin Newsom claims regret for 2020 pandemic policies but faces criticism for delayed… - Keywords: gavin newsom, california, pandemic, covid, unemployment fraud, 2028 presidential election, teachers unions, first amendment, california teachers association, unemployment claims, news, entertainment - Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/16/opinion/gavin-newsom-has-regret-for-covid-missteps - Published: 2026-09-17T01:30:20+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: gavin newsom, california, pandemic, covid, unemployment fraud, 2028 presidential election, teachers unions, first amendment, california teachers association, unemployment claims, news, entertainment ## Newsom admits pandemic errors Gavin Newsom claims he was wrong in 2020 about COVID policies while fly fishing with CNN's Jake Tapper. > The idea that we closed beaches was insane in hindsight ## Regret for schools delayed Newsom regrets not bucking teachers unions despite LA refusing to reopen schools. > A lot of districts were open, but the big ones weren’t. LA refused, and I regret that ## Teachers union funding California Teachers Association gave $1.8 million to Newsom's 2021 anti-recall campaign. > The California Teachers Association gave $1.8 million to the gov's 2021 anti-recall campaign alone ## Unemployment fraud California paid tens of billions in fraudulent unemployment claims including prison recipients. > To this day, the state's unemployment system owes the federal government more than $20 billion ## Double standards Liquor stores stayed open while churches closed; Black Lives Matter protesters gathered despite virus rules. > Families were barred from Taco Bell but the elite could dine at posh hotspots ## 2028 presidential plans Newsom discusses 2028 presidential election plans while fishing with CNN. > Gavin Newsom and Jake Tapper fish as Newsom discusses his plans for the 2028 presidential election ## Key takeaway Gavin Newsom claims regret for 2020 pandemic policies but faces criticism for delayed accountability and double standards.