The White House has been criticized for its imitation of President Trump’s rhetoric and social media persona, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) attempting to mirror Trump’s style. Democrats have praised Newsom’s efforts, arguing it was time for someone to stand up to Trump in a meaningful way. However, Republicans argue that Newsom’s antics are contrived and over the top. Vice President Vance accused Newsom of being inauthentic, arguing that Trump’s political success is based on authenticity.
Trump threatened to defund California school districts that don’t comply with his executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in women’s and girls’ sports. Some Democrats and Republicans saw this as Trump taking a purposeful shot at Newsom, stating that he doesn’t let a political fight get the best of him.
The White House has dismissed Newsom’s latest line of attack as attention-seeking and a sign of obsession with the president. A poll released this past week showed Newsom in second place behind former Vice President Kamala Harris among likely potential 2028 candidates. A separate poll by Politico-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab among California Democrats revealed that those in the Golden State preferred Newsom over Harris, 25 percent to 19 percent.
Newsom’s strategy appears to be working, with a poll showing him in second place behind former Vice President Kamala Harris among likely potential 2028 candidates. Trump, aware of the fanfare around Newsom, has taken another shot at him, stating that he is an incompetent guy with a good line of bulls and doesn’t get the job done.
