Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed support for Elon Musk following the California Coastal Commission’s rejection of a SpaceX launch expansion plan.

In an interview with POLITICO, Newsom stated, “I’m with Elon” on this issue, despite criticizing Musk’s political donations to former President Trump.

The commission’s 6-4 vote against the Air Force’s proposal centered on environmental concerns, but discussions during the meeting veered into Musk’s political rhetoric and labor practices. Some commissioners, including Gretchen Newsom (unrelated to the governor), voiced strong opposition to Musk’s conduct.

Gov. Newsom emphasized that his appointees had supported the permit and that his administration had worked to reach a compromise with the Defense Department. “We worked with Space Force. We worked with the base commander there in good faith,” he said.

The governor expressed disappointment with the commission’s decision, suggesting it went beyond the scope of the proposal. “They certainly could have said, ‘We are just not comfortable with (the proposal) right now.’ But that wasn’t what they said,” Newsom remarked.

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Before the meeting, the Air Force had agreed to meet seven conditions set by the commission, including reducing sonic booms and increasing wildlife monitoring. Newsom’s team had been working behind the scenes to address concerns raised by coastal staff.

While acknowledging Musk’s understanding that punishing political opponents is wrong, Newsom questioned the billionaire’s character consistency, given his substantial donations to Trump’s campaign.

The governor maintained that the decision should have focused on space exploration and precedent rather than on SpaceX or Musk personally. He reiterated that he does not control the commission “in any way, shape or form.”

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