Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
California Governor Gavin Newsom has elicited a range of reactions from White House allies and Republicans this past week as he increasingly adopted President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and social media style. While Democrats have largely applauded Newsom’s assertive approach, those aligned with President Trump have dismissed the efforts as “comical” and inauthentic, even as Trump himself has directly engaged with the California governor.
Newsom’s Trump-Esque Approach
For over a week, Governor Newsom has sought to mimic President Trump’s bombastic social media presence, employing terms such as “beautiful” and writing posts in all capital letters. His confrontational stance toward Republican officials and right-leaning media personalities has been described as distinctly Trumpian.
Democrats, many of whom have expressed a desire for more forceful leadership and a direct challenge to President Trump, have largely embraced Newsom’s strategy. Strategists have lauded his efforts, suggesting it was timely for someone to directly confront President Trump.
Republican and White House Reactions
Despite the Democratic enthusiasm, Republicans have widely characterized Newsom’s tactics as contrived and excessive. Vice President Vance, in an interview on Fox News, accused Newsom of lacking authenticity.
“The idea that Gavin Newsom is somehow going to mimic [Donald Trump’s] style, I think that ignores the fundamental genius of President Trump’s political success, which is that he’s authentic,” Vance stated, emphasizing the need for politicians to be themselves.
Shermichael Singleton, a Republican strategist who served in the first Trump administration, echoed these sentiments, suggesting President Trump should not be concerned about Newsom. Singleton argued that California’s political positions are unpopular nationally, making its governor an unlikely threat.
One Trump ally commented that Newsom’s efforts to “get under President Trump’s skin” had failed, with many in the White House viewing it as “comical.” The ally added, “Let’s face it, there’s only one Trump.”
President Trump’s Direct Responses
President Trump has directly engaged with Newsom’s actions, issuing threats and criticisms via his Truth Social platform. On Thursday, Trump threatened to defund California school districts that do not comply with his executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in women’s and girls’ sports.
“Any California school district that doesn’t adhere to our Transgender policies, will not be funded,” Trump wrote. This move was seen by some, including a few Republicans, as a deliberate jab at Newsom.
On Wednesday, Trump specifically targeted Newsom, posting, “Gavin Newsom is way down in the polls. He’s viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!!”
While the White House has largely dismissed Newsom’s approach as attention-seeking, a source close to the White House acknowledged that the strategy is boosting Newsom’s profile as a potential foil to President Trump, even if it is seen as “the greatest form of flattery.”
Newsom’s Rising Profile
Newsom’s strategy appears to be generating significant public attention. A recent poll by Echelon Insights, conducted August 14-18, placed Newsom in second among likely 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, with 13 percent support, trailing former Vice President Kamala Harris at 26 percent.
Among California Democrats, a separate Politico-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab poll showed Newsom preferred over Harris, 25 percent to 19 percent. With this apparent support, Newsom shows no signs of ceasing his efforts, particularly as he remains in the media spotlight for California’s redistricting initiatives.
The governor recently posted on X, “TODAY WE WILL MAKE THE MAPS GREAT AGAIN,” and teased the upcoming sale of hats emblazoned with “Newsom Was Right About Everything,” a clear homage to President Trump’s campaign merchandise.
President Trump, aware of the attention surrounding Newsom, offered a final assessment: “I know Gavin really well. He’s an incompetent guy with a good line of bulls—, and he doesn’t get the job done.”
Ultimately, Governor Newsom’s adoption of President Trump’s combative style has created a dynamic political exchange, elevating his national profile and energizing a segment of the Democratic base, even as it draws sharp criticism and dismissals from President Trump and his allies.
