Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Here’s what started California governor’s trolling of Donald Trump

California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks on during a bill signing event (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks on during a bill signing event (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom adopted a confrontational approach to misinformation, initially during the LA wildfires, by directly challenging claims made by Donald Trump.
  • Newsom's strategy involves actively fighting back against political opponents, including through social media, interviews, and even merchandise that parodies traditional political aesthetics.
  • This aggressive stance has positioned Newsom as a prominent national Democrat, particularly in response to issues like Texas's congressional redistricting, and is seen as a potential foundation for a 2028 presidential bid.
  • His 'trolling' extends to other figures associated with the MAGA movement, such as Governors Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis, by correcting their statements and countering their attacks.
  • While effective in generating attention, there is debate among strategists regarding the long-term efficacy of Newsom's combative style for winning over a broader electorate.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in