Halle Berry Believes Newsom's Veto Demonstrates Why He Shouldn't Become President

At a Wednesday event, actress and menopause advocate Halle Berry sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), asserting that his handling of womens issues demonstrates he should not be president. Speaking at the 2025 New York Times Dealbook Summit, Berry told the audience, At this stage in my life, I have zero patience left.

Berry targeted Newsom for vetoing the bipartisan Menopause Care Equity Act two years in a row. The legislation aimed to guarantee insurance coverage for evidence-based menopause treatments, but Newsom rejected it, citing potential restrictions on healthcare providers.

Addressing the audience, Berry said, Thats fine, because he wont be governor forever. But the way he has disregarded women, who make up half the population, suggests he shouldnt be considered for president either. Her comment was particularly pointed as Newsom was scheduled to appear at the summit later that day.

The Oscar-winning actor also spoke about societal pressures on women to maintain a youthful appearance, often leaving them without guidance on health changes and menopause symptoms. She noted, In 2025, there is still so much to explore about aging, especially for women considering their longevity. Women my age are often undervalued in this country.

Berry highlighted the cultural bias against aging women, saying, At 59, society treats women as if they are past their prime. In Hollywood, at work, and on social media, women of my age can feel invisible. We are constantly pressured to stay 35 forever, and if we appear younger than our years, its treated as a measure of our worth.

Earlier this year, Berry launched Respin, a holistic menopause care company. The initiative provides scientifically supported treatments combined with community resources, aiming to help women navigate menopause with confidence and curiosity.

Analysis: Halle Berry's Critique of Governor Newsom

Halle Berry's remarks at the 2025 New York Times Dealbook Summit underscore a growing public scrutiny of political leadership on women’s health issues. By directly linking Governor Gavin Newsom’s vetoes of the Menopause Care Equity Act to his presidential suitability, Berry frames the discussion around accountability and policy impact.

The vetoed legislation, intended to expand insurance coverage for evidence-based menopause treatments, highlights a persistent gap in healthcare access for aging women. Berry’s perspective emphasizes how political decisions resonate beyond legislation, affecting societal perceptions of women’s value and longevity.

Her comments also draw attention to cultural biases against aging women, particularly in high-visibility industries like Hollywood. Berry’s advocacy through her company Respin represents a proactive effort to provide practical solutions, showing how private initiatives can complement policy gaps in women’s health.

Ultimately, Berry’s critique blends personal experience with policy analysis, reinforcing the broader debate on gender equity in healthcare and the responsibilities of elected officials to address these issues.

Sources:

• Halle Berry Calls This Newsom Veto Proof He Shouldn't Be President

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.