California Gov. Gavin Newsom has adopted President Donald Trump’s distinctive social media tactics in an escalating battle over congressional redistricting, using all-caps posts and Trump-like rhetoric to mock the president while threatening retaliation against Texas redistricting efforts. Here’s what you need to know about the political social media warfare:
Newsom adopts Trump’s social media playbook
The California governor embraces signature Trump tactics:
- 57-year-old Democratic governor uses all-caps declarations, exclamation points and insulting nicknames
- Recent posts include “MAKE THE MAPS GREAT AGAIN!” and proclamations that new California maps “WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY”
- Referenced “Covfefe,” alluding to Trump’s viral 2017 tweet widely considered a typing error
- Demonstrates commitment to mimicking Trump’s distinctive online style
Redistricting battle intensifies
Conflict centers on Texas redistricting with national implications:
- Texas redistricting efforts could significantly impact 2026 election and GOP’s slim House majority
- Newsom threatens California will rewrite congressional maps to neutralize any GOP gains from Texas
- Posted: “I, YOUR FAVORITE GOVERNOR, GAVIN CHRISTOPHER NEWSOM, OFFERED THE BEST, MOST ’AMAZING DEAL’ IN HISTORY”
- Added that Trump was “TOO WEAK (LITTLE HANDS) TO EVEN WRITE ME BACK”
Trump responds to challenge
President dismisses Newsom as incompetent:
- Trump, 79, called Newsom “incompetent” and told White House reporters governor has “a good line of bulls—- but that’s about it”
- Used social media to target Newsom, calling him “incompetent Governor Gavin Newscum”
- Described him as “One of the WORST GOVERNORS IN HISTORY”
- Claimed credit for National Guard deployment to Los Angeles
Pattern of confrontation
Social media warfare continues broader conflict pattern:
- Newsom administration filed more than 30 lawsuits against Trump administration
- Challenges include federal grants termination and immigration enforcement operations
- Newsom positioned as most vocal Democratic Trump opponent on national stage
- Role aligns with speculation about potential 2028 presidential ambitions
Social media strategy evolution
Trump long dominated political social media landscape:
- Described himself as “the Ernest Hemingway of 140 characters”
- Claims to “understand social media maybe better than anybody, ever”
- Revolutionized how elected officials use platforms to attack rivals and rally supporters
- Utilizes both X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social platform
Stakes for 2026 elections
Redistricting battle carries significant national implications:
- Congressional maps in both Texas and California could determine key House seats
- Potential to influence balance of power in Congress
- Newsom promised swift California response, declaring “LIBERATION DAY FOR AMERICA!!!”
- Signs posts with Trump-style initials “GCN”
Fighting fire with fire approach
Newsom’s strategy represents tactical shift:
- Adoption of Trump’s methods tests whether they can be used effectively against him
- Strategy involves fighting “fire with fire” in political communication
- Highlights how redistricting became national political battleground
- Governors from different states directly threatening retaliation against mapping decisions
Read more:
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom trolls Donald Trump in redistricting fight
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
