LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor and comedian Adam Carolla has boldly predicted that former President Donald Trump would "destroy" California Governor Gavin Newsom in a one-on-one political showdown.

Speaking to Fox News' Brian Kilmeade on Saturday, June 29, Carolla didn't hold back in his criticism of Newsom's leadership, describing him as a "sociopath" who has brought ruin to California and is now seeking to expand his influence elsewhere.

Adam Carolla criticizes Gavin Newsom's leadership

"Trump would destroy California Gov Gavin Newsom in a head-to-head matchup," Carolla told Kilmeade.

"It's like saying, 'I built the world's worst taco stand in California, and now I'm going nationwide with them. And no one's buying what he's selling,'" Carolla remarked, highlighting the lack of public support for Newsom's policies.

He further emphasized that figures like Michelle Obama might fare better in the public eye, suggesting Newsom lacks the appeal needed to sway voters.

Adam Carolla's critique of Gavin Newsom amid celebrity exodus from California

Carolla's comments come amid his decision to join a growing list of celebrities like Dean Cain, Sylvester Stallone and Mark Wahlberg, leaving California, citing concerns over the state's future under Newsom's governance.

"Newsom's a sociopath. He's ruined California, and he wants to franchise," Carolla quipped.

He criticized Newsom's political persona, contrasting it with substantive policy achievements, which he claims are sorely lacking.

Carolla recounted pressing Newsom on critical issues during a recent podcast appearance, only to receive evasive responses. "He lied, then he doubled down, and he had no solutions," Carolla asserted, accusing Newsom of avoiding accountability and failing to address key problems facing the state.

"He's a disaster in the policy department. He's an empty bag. He's a ten cent head, but he's mainly a sociopath. I've interviewed him on my podcast," Carolla said.

Gavin Newsom maintains political presence amid speculation and mixed voter approval

Newsom, however, remains a prominent figure in California politics, with a mixed approval rating among voters, as indicated by a recent poll.

A recent poll released by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that Newsom, often seen as a potential replacement for President Biden if he steps down before November, holds an approval rating of 44% among likely voters in California.

Despite speculation about his future political ambitions, including potentially replacing President Biden, Newsom has reaffirmed his allegiance to the Democratic Party and its leadership.

He doubled down on his support for President Biden following last week's presidential debate, stating, "I will always stand by President Biden. I don't know any Democrat in my party who would do otherwise, especially after tonight."

Criticism and concerns regarding Gavin Newsom's leadership

Public opinion surrounding California Governor Gavin Newsom reveals a range of criticism and concerns about his leadership.

One user wrote, "He's pretty and a smooth talker but the implosion of California is just too big to ignore or paper over."

Another user commented, "The sad reality for Dems is that Joe is the one polling best against Trump. There is no great alternative waiting in the wings."

One said, "Newsom is a slick liar and trump will not beat him in a debate."

One user added, "Joe has been pumped by all of the media as a young, viral, and kick butt kind of guy. Him to speak without notes showed it all to the public. The media can not make up Fake News anymore. They sure abandoned him overnight. Now, there searching for another option, late in the game."

One said, "The man had destroyed California! Billions in debt from the Golden state, Refuses to do his job & then when he imposes some of the most extreme Covid restrictions, except for he & his friends. Call him a corrupt politician, but that would be an insult to corrupt politicians."

Another user wrote, "Newsom has proven to be an evil fraud."