In a political landscape where online presence can make or break public perception, California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold and unexpected approach.
Over the past week, he’s been mimicking former President Donald Trump’s signature style on social media, and the results have caught the attention of comedians and political observers alike.
Bill Maher Applauds Newsom’s Bold Move
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher didn’t hold back his amusement.
On Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, he praised Newsom for trying to “out-stupid” Trump—a strategy Maher found both hilarious and rare among Democrats.
“There’s a new game being played by Gavin Newsom. Gavin Newsom is now trolling Trump. I’ve never seen a Democrat do this.
I think it’s very funny,” Maher said, noting that Newsom’s posts perfectly mirrored Trump’s bombastic tone.
He even read one of Newsom’s tweets aloud to illustrate the point:
“And he will fail as he always does, sad. And I, the peacetime governor, our nation’s favorite, will save America once again.
Many are calling me the, you know, Gavin Newsom, many say the most loved and handsome governor.”
AI Images Add a Surreal Twist
Newsom hasn’t stopped at just words. His social media feed has included AI-generated images, ranging from a promotional photo endorsed by Kid Rock to a surreal depiction of the late Hulk Hogan, Tucker Carlson, and Kid Rock praying over the governor with angel wings and halos.
These posts have stirred both amusement and controversy, proving Newsom’s ability to keep people talking.
Maher summed up Newsom’s approach succinctly: “I feel like Gavin has grasped the essential thing about American culture in this day and age. Don’t try to outsmart people. You have to out-stupid them.”
Fighting Back Through Redistricting Battles
Newsom’s social media antics are not just for laughs—they coincide with high-stakes political maneuvers.
Following the Texas State House’s approval of a redistricting plan that could hand Republicans 100 congressional seats, Newsom signed legislation allowing California voters to decide whether the state should pursue a similar strategy to counter Republican gains.
Once again, he marked the occasion with his now-famous Trump-style online persona, keeping the spotlight on both the issue and himself.
National Implications of Redistricting
Redistricting is no longer confined to Texas. Republican-controlled legislatures in states like Missouri, Florida, Indiana, and South Carolina are eyeing maps that could strengthen GOP control.
Meanwhile, Democratic governors in Illinois, Maryland, and New York have suggested they might redraw maps to favor Democrats, signaling that a nationwide battle is underway.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul tweeted in reaction to Texas’ maps: “Game on,” highlighting the growing tit-for-tat between the parties.
Midterms Hinge on State-Level Strategy
Both parties see redistricting as a crucial lever in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Historically, the party opposite the sitting president tends to gain ground—something Trump experienced firsthand in 2018, when Democrats took 40 House seats, thwarting his agenda and launching impeachment proceedings.
As the political chess match unfolds, Newsom’s combination of social media savvy and legislative action shows that Democrats are willing to engage in unconventional strategies to defend their position.
Whether it’s trolling Trump or battling redistricting maps, California’s governor is making sure the fight is anything but boring.
