Political exchanges between California Governor Gavin Newsom and former President Donald Trump have taken on a tone marked by personal insults and online trolling, reflecting a broader shift in American political discourse. The use of social media by both figures has moved away from traditional decorum toward direct and often mocking engagement.
In recent months, Trump has continued his pattern of posting inflammatory messages, including criticism of institutions such as the Smithsonian and derogatory nicknames for political opponents like Newsom. Trump’s posts have found favor among his supporters, with many Republican officials choosing not to comment or adopting similar tactics.
Democrats, while frequently criticizing Trump’s approach, have responded in kind. In California, where Democrats hold significant legislative power, Newsom has assembled a social-media team designed to counter Trump’s style with similar rhetoric. This strategy appears to be resonating within the Democratic base.
Newsom’s online posts mirror the language and style used by Trump, incorporating exaggerated praise for himself and mocking references to media coverage: “WOW! FOX NEWS CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT ME (GAVIN C. NEWSOM), AMERICA’S FAVORITE GOVERNOR!!! TONIGHT THEIR ENTIRE PRIMETIME LINEUP WAS ABOUT ME! JESSE WATTERS KEPT CALLING ME ‘DADDY’ (VERY WEIRD, NOT INTERESTED, BUT THANK YOU!). … FOX & MAGA HAVE NEWSOM DERANGEMENT SYNDROME!!! THEY SHOULD CRY HARDER! SAD!!! — GCN.”
The exchange of memes and AI-generated images has become common on both sides. Trump’s supporters often share depictions of him as a superhero figure, while Newsom has posted images that parody this trend using public figures like Hulk Hogan alongside himself.
Some commentators have criticized the tone adopted by both politicians. One Fox News host remarked: “You have to stop at with the Twitter thing. If I were his wife, I would say you are making a fool of yourself, stop it. … He’s got a big job as governor of California but if he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little more serious.” The same commentator noted that similar criticism is rarely directed at Trump from within his own party.
Observers note that this approach may benefit Newsom politically by increasing his profile among potential 2028 presidential candidates and energizing Democratic voters. However, there is concern that such tactics do little to address substantive issues facing Californians—including homelessness, regulation challenges, education quality, crime rates, and congestion—despite some progress in areas like housing policy.
As the nation approaches upcoming congressional midterms and another presidential election cycle, the escalation in negative campaigning is expected to continue unless broader standards for political conduct are reestablished.
