Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has upset some individuals and caused anxiety with his acts. He has been transforming his official social media profiles into what appears to be a spoof of President Donald Trump for the past week. A barrage of all-caps statements, clapbacks, and memes have been made.
These all have a striking resemblance to Donald Trump’s style. His novel strategy has elicited a wide range of responses. It has annoyed detractors, delighted fans, and, on Friday, finally succeeded in getting Fox News personality Dana Perino to deliver an exceptionally scathing criticism.
Former White House press secretary Dana Perino worked under George W. Bush. She chastised Newsom and attempted to confront him for what she called his careless and irresponsible actions during her episode, The Five.
She added plainly, “You have to stop it with the Twitter thing.” She went on to say that she would tell Newsom, “You are making a fool of yourself,” if she were his wife. Put an end to it.
Perino continued by saying that Newsom is currently viewed by many as a potential presidential candidate and is the governor of the most populous state in the nation. All of this calls for him to act in a particular way, and Newsom ought to be acting more solemnly.
Perino: The Twitter thing is where you need to stop. If I were his wife, I would tell him to stop being such a fool. As California’s governor, he has a large job, but he needs to be a little more serious if he wants an even greater position.image.twitter.com/Vi8eifx4pb
Acyn August 18, 2025 (@Acyn)
“As governor of California, he has a big job,” she added. You need to be a little more serious if you hope to become president eventually.
With their comebacks and tweets, Gavin Newsom’s press office has now been on fire. Anyone who thought they would retreat was mistaken. Instead of retreating and ending it abruptly, Newsom’s press team capitalized on Perino’s comments.
They created yet another meme out of them. With the description, “ALMOST A WEEK IN AND THEY STILL DON’T GET IT,” his official press office published the video on X.
They still haven’t gotten it after about a week: https://t.co/xACH6zSfXX
August 19, 2025, Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice)
Much of Newsom’s recent content has been in the same derisive tone. The same intensity that the Trump administration and his proxies provide in the media is being returned by Gavin Newsom. Instead of maintaining composure and elevating themselves, this is likely the first time a Democrat is engaging in the tactic Trump does.
Newsom’s account has made fun of Commander Cosplay, a former governor of South Dakota, and conservative pundits like Tomi Lahren. They have even used spoof memes to harass Trump supporters like JD Vance.
Trump himself has also been made fun of in posts. Among these were his actions following his Alaskan summit with Vladimir Putin.
TRUMP JUST LEAVED THE PODIUM WITH NO ENERGY AT ALL Enjoy your flight home, Donald. You’re currently having trouble. One post stated, “I am America S. Solution.” in all caps.
TRUMP DID NOTHING BUT RUSH THE PODIUM WITH PUTIN AND NO QUESTIONS! ZERO ENERGY. The man appeared to have just consumed three KFC buckets with Vlad. Is he worried that the media will inquire about me? In addition to the fact that I stole the cameras this week along with the maps, what is America’s favorite governor?
August 15, 2025, Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice)
Newsom has described his strategy as parody and supported it. He has made the case in numerous interviews that Trump and his supporters have been distorting crucial political debates and conversations with his absurd viewpoints and diversionary tactics. Everyone who has expressed concern about Trump’s mental health has been ridiculed and trolled by them. Newsom has demonstrated that it was essential and successful to confront them on their own terms.
In reference to Trump’s history of using divisive social media, Newsom stated, “If you have problems with what I’m saying, you sure as hell should have concerns with what he’s saying as president.”
Trump’s bronzer line is the toughest wall he has ever constructed; forget about the southern border.I9vYhS7Z6H https://t.co/5Rd32YE4rppic.twitter.com
August 19, 2025, Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice)
It seems that Gov. Newsom is steadfast in his meme-driven, high volume approach. Perino’s on-screen annoyance has just fueled the online conflagration. It has increased the amount of material available to his press office.
It is evident that even a governor’s press office may turn into a battlefield in the era of social media politics. Despite the discomfort his detractors may feel, Newsom is adamant about fighting on Trump’s territory.
