### California Governor Sides with Elon Musk in SpaceX Expansion Dispute

Gov. Gavin Newsom has publicly declared his support for Elon Musk in a heated disagreement with the California Coastal Commission over planned increases in SpaceX's rocket launches from the state's Pacific coast. The dispute emerged when the commission turned down a Department of Defense proposal to expand the number of SpaceX launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base, citing concerns related to Musk's political affiliations and support for former President Donald Trump.

In a candid interview, Newsom criticized the commission's decision, suggesting that it should have focused strictly on the permit’s merits without veering into political considerations. "You can't bring up that explicit level of politics," Newsom emphasized, while noting that his stance does not serve as legal support for Musk’s lawsuit against the commission. The governor stressed the need for fair and impartial judgment by the independent agency, despite his own differences with Musk.

Musk has taken legal action against the agency, arguing that their rejection was a politically motivated act of discrimination based on his public political stances. Commissioners, however, cited Musk’s political rhetoric and labor practices as reasons for their opposition. Governor Newsom, who appoints some of those commissioners, stated that his appointees voted in favor of the launch increase, aligning with what he considered the correct decision.

The commission's rejection vote was close, with a 6-4 split. Among those opposed were Chair Caryl Hart and Commissioner Gretchen Newsom, who voiced strong disapproval of Musk's conduct. Despite their concerns, Newsom highlighted that his administration had collaborated with the Department of Defense and the base commander to negotiate a compromise involving conditions like reducing sonic booms and bolstered wildlife monitoring.

Newsom, while supportive of the SpaceX expansion, still criticized Musk for substantial donations made to help Trump regain the presidency, questioning Musk’s consistency of character. The ongoing tension between Musk and California officials also touches on various relocations of Musk’s companies out of the state and numerous public spats over political and social issues.

In sum, Newsom's stance underscores a complex relationship between state governance, business interests, and political dynamics, as he calls for unbiased decision-making even while engaged in broader disputes with both Musk and former President Trump.