California Governor Gavin Newsom has adopted a striking new social media strategy that mimics former President Donald Trump’s online persona, posting in all caps, deploying nicknames, and circulating exaggerated AI-generated images of himself. The approach, detailed in a recent Politico report, is deliberately designed to hold up “a mirror to MAGA”—and it’s driving conservatives into open frustration.
Borrowing From Trump’s Playbook
Trump’s presence on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) has long been marked by bombastic language, caps-lock pronouncements, and memes that blur the line between political message and spectacle. Newsom has now leaned into the same style.
Recent posts from the governor’s account have included:
- “TINY HANDS IS OUT HERE COPYING ME—BUT WITHOUT THE STAMINA (SAD), AND CERTAINLY WITHOUT THE ‘LOOKS.’ TOTAL BETA! — GCN”
- “STAND DOWN NOW OR CALIFORNIA WILL COUNTER-STRIKE (LEGALLY!) TO DESTROY YOUR ILLEGAL CROOKED MAPS IN RED STATES.”
According to Politico, Newsom views the strategy as a wake-up call for Democrats, showing that they can contest the online attention economy by using the same tactics Republicans have perfected.
AI Imagery as Satire
In addition to text-heavy posts, Newsom’s team has leaned into AI-generated imagery—a staple of the Trump meme machine. One widely shared image depicted Newsom being “blessed” by conservative figures such as Tucker Carlson, Kid Rock, and Hulk Hogan. Others show him in hyperbolic, patriotic poses, flexing atop Mount Rushmore or waving an oversized American flag.
Unlike Trump’s hero-style memes, Newsom’s are satirical. By exaggerating the tropes of online political culture, he draws attention to the way digital spectacle increasingly shapes public debate.
Conservative Reaction
The strategy has sparked criticism from the right. Fox News host Dana Perino said Newsom should “put the phone away” if he hopes to be taken seriously as a national figure. Senator JD Vance argued the tactic is “inauthentic” and would not build trust with voters.
Still, the attention appears to be working in Newsom’s favor. Politico reports that his account generated more than 225 million impressions in August alone, boosting his visibility among Democrats and frustrating his opponents.
“Gavin Newsom Derangement Syndrome”?
The intensity of the conservative backlash has led some observers to joke that Republicans are experiencing “Gavin Newsom Derangement Syndrome,” a mirror of the “Trump Derangement Syndrome” label often used to dismiss liberal criticism of the former president.
A New Phase of Digital Politics
Whether Newsom’s tactic signals a broader shift for Democrats remains to be seen. For now, he is one of the few high-profile figures on the left to adopt Trump’s digital style so directly. The move has underscored the growing importance of online spectacle in American politics—and shown that Trump may no longer be the only politician able to dominate the conversation through memes and all-caps missives.
What do you think? Is Newsom cleverly leveling the playing field, or is he risking his credibility by embracing Trump-style tactics?
(Featured image via Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)
