California Gov. Gavin Newsom, in recent weeks, has adopted a social media strategy that essentially throws Donald Trump’s social media style and rhetoric back at him.
In a late-night Truth Social meltdown on Wednesday night, Trump went after Newsom on Truth Social, declaring that “Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! President DJT.”
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It was one of several late-night social media posts by Trump, including another declaring “59% APPROVAL RATING FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP, MASSIVE LEAD OVER THE DEMOCRATS.” In reality, there is no credible poll that shows Trump’s approval rating as anything even close to 59 percent; Trump has been underwater in the RealClearPolling average since early March.
After the posts, including one that mocked MSNBC for its low ratings and upcoming name change, Newsom’s “Governor Newsom Press Office” on X struck back, accusing Trump of imitating him:
TRUMP IS IMITATING ME! — GCN https://t.co/YC1LpXK2qF
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 21, 2025
The Hill reported this week that Newsom’s recent social media trolling has been winning “raves” from Democrats.
“In an effort to egg Trump on — and rally his own troops in the Democratic Party — Newsom has taken a page from Trump’s playbook, mirroring everything from the president’s rants to his social media habits,” The Hill report said. “In recent days, the California governor has touted his own “beautiful” midterm redistricting proposal and his “beautiful” rally to boot — needling Trump’s braggadocious ways. Newsom has started to write his social media posts in ALL CAPS, just like the president. ”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has figured out a way to get under Trump’s skin.
Act like him. https://t.co/4ZkLLI0AfE
— Amie Parnes (@amieparnes) August 20, 2025
Newsom, who is term-limited as governor of California, is widely expected to run for president in 2028. While it’s extremely early, Race to the White House has Newsom in third place in its polling average of potential 2028 candidates, with former Vice President Kamala Harris first with 22.7 percent, followed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg with 15.3 percent, and Newsom holding 13.1 percent. This puts him ahead of Rep. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Cory Booker, and Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Photo courtesy of the Political Tribune media library.
