In a recent Politico interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely viewed as a likely Democratic presidential contender in 2028, raised the possibility of requiring Americans to complete a period of national service, suggesting a term ranging from at least six months to as long as 18 months.

Speaking during a recorded conversation at John’s Grill in San Francisco, Newsom was asked by Politico’s Jonathan Martin whether the United States should consider mandatory military service or some other form of required national service.

“I think we have to look at ways we can frame a responsibility to serve for a year, 6 months minimum — year, 18 months (…) This notion of shared experiences — I don’t know how else you get this country back together.”

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore.