Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Oliver O'Connell

Here’s what started California governor’s trolling of Donald Trump

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom adopted a confrontational approach to misinformation, initially during the LA wildfires, by directly challenging claims made by Donald Trump.
  • Newsom's strategy involves actively fighting back against political opponents, including through social media, interviews, and even merchandise that parodies traditional political aesthetics.
  • This aggressive stance has positioned Newsom as a prominent national Democrat, particularly in response to issues like Texas's congressional redistricting, and is seen as a potential foundation for a 2028 presidential bid.
  • His 'trolling' extends to other figures associated with the MAGA movement, such as Governors Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis, by correcting their statements and countering their attacks.
  • While effective in generating attention, there is debate among strategists regarding the long-term efficacy of Newsom's combative style for winning over a broader electorate.

IN FULL

The Trump rant that turned Newsom into troll-in-chief: ‘What Democrats should have been doing to Trump for past nine years’

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.