Youngkin talks 2028, DEI and Tariffs
Kiggans announced her fundraising numbers as she is a top target for Democrats in 2026.
This is the Virginia Scope daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider becoming the ultimate political insider by supporting non-partisan, independent news and becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter today.
Have a tip? You can reply to this email or reach out to me directly at Brandon@virginiascope.com.
The rundown
Kiggans announced her fundraising numbers as she is a top target for Democrats in 2026.
Youngkin talks D.E.I, 2028 and tariffs in a New York Times interview.
Former Rep. Elaine Luria endorsed Rouse for lieutenant governor.
Today’s Sponsor: Virginia Promise in Action
Congratulations to our 2025 Child Care Champions of the Year! Thank you to Senators Todd Pillion and Schuyler VanValkenburg, Speaker Don Scott, and Delegates Luke Torian, Ellen Campbell, Adele McClure and Briana Sewell for all your work to ensure Virginia families have access to quality, affordable child care. #GottaHaveChildCare
Youngkin talks 2028, DEI and Tariffs
Gov. Glenn Youngkin was asked by the New York Times about President Trump’s tariffs and a potential 2028 presidential run.
On tariffs:
“The idea that we should have reciprocal tariffs with our trading partners is one that has to be part of the rebalancing of trading relationships.”
NY Times: So you think President Trump is taking the right approach on tariffs?
“If anybody was surprised, they weren’t paying attention.”
NY Times: I didn’t ask if you were surprised, I asked if you think it’s right.
“There is a necessary rebalancing of our trade negotiations or trade relationships that needs to happen.”
On potentially running for president in 2028:
“I have nine months to serve Virginians, and I am going to stay focused on Virginia. We have had a wonderful demonstration that common sense works.I have said many times that I do believe that folks that worry about their next job before they’ve finished their current one have their priorities misplaced. My job is to continue to serve Virginians the best I can all the way up and through the last day I’m in office, and I’m committed to do that.”
Youngkin also talked about DEI during the interview.
The New York Times also published a story about Youngkin's status as a diversity champion at the Carlyle Group before he became a D.E.I. warrior as governor.
Before Glenn Youngkin was a culture warrior who cheered the demise of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, he was a financial executive who worried about a lack of diversity in his field.
“One of the clear challenges in the financial sector broadly is both race and gender diversity,” Mr. Youngkin said in a 2018 interview with Bloomberg Markets, soon after becoming a co-chief executive at the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm.