politicsliberal

Gavin Newsom Questions Trump’s Psychedelic Push With a Quick Reply

Washington D.C., USATuesday, April 21, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom Responds to Trump’s Psychedelic Initiative

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California reacted to President Donald Trump’s new mental‑health initiative by sharing the White House post and adding a single, sharp question. The original message on X claimed that Trump’s order would speed up medical treatments for serious mental illness by loosening rules around psychedelic drugs. The tweet highlighted a $50 million grant to study ibogaine and the possibility of quicker FDA reviews.

Newsom’s office simply reposted the announcement and typed, “For himself?” This two‑word remark suggested that the policy might benefit Trump personally rather than patients. The exchange shows how political leaders use social media to shape public perception quickly.

Trump’s order itself was signed a few days earlier. It directs the FDA to accelerate approval processes for psychedelic therapies, citing growing evidence that these substances can help treat depression and other conditions. The administration’s statement said the goal is to remove barriers for patients who need new treatment options.

The White House also introduced TrumpRx, a website that lists discounted drug prices and coupons from big pharma companies such as Pfizer and Eli Lilly. The launch is part of a broader effort to lower medication costs for Americans.

The FDA Commissioner announced that decisions could come as soon as the summer, while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. backed the use of psychedelics for mental‑health disorders. Critics argue that such policies may sidestep important safety reviews and that the benefits are still largely unproven.

Overall, the brief back‑and‑forth on social media highlights how each side frames the same policy in very different ways—one as a patient‑focused breakthrough, the other as a political stunt.

Actions