California Governor Gavin Newsom defended his pandemic decisions after podcaster Joe Rogan sent a pointed text message during an appearance on former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan’s podcast released Monday. Rogan asked who would be held accountable for mandating “unnecessary and ineffective” COVID-19 vaccines for children and whether Newsom felt remorse for a decision he characterized as driven by pharmaceutical profits. Newsom rejected the accusation, citing legislation he says curbs pharmaceutical pricing and influence. He argued that vaccines “save lives,” noted that California initially acted in concert with the Trump administration, and said the state’s restrictions mirrored moves taken in some Republican-led states. The governor acknowledged at least one misstep, conceding that closing outdoor spaces such as beaches was unnecessary. Newsom disclosed that his administration has commissioned an “objective review” of California’s COVID-19 policies, comparing them with other states and incorporating critics’ views and international expertise. The report, which he said will be published next month, aims to catalogue what the state “did right and wrong” to better prepare for future public-health emergencies.