Wilgens Sirise
1. “Gavinmander” — a political response to gerrymandering
Amid high tensions in the country, Governor Gavin Newsom has made a strategic move in redistricting politics. He has passed a bill proposing that California adopt new indirect congressional maps that favor Democrats. The bill would allow Californians to vote on the new maps in a special election in November, which could remove several Republican seats in Congress.
Newsom describes it as a political “counterweight,” a way for California to respond to the GOP’s redistricting drive in Texas — a way to confront Trump and protect voters. He emphasizes the idea that if everyone plays by the same rules, the Republican party could lose significant influence in the House of Representatives after the 2026 election
2. Social Media Trolling: Impersonation, Parody, and Increased Visibility
Another political weapon Newsom uses is his social media outreach. He imitates Trump’s style on the X platform (formerly Twitter), where he writes all his messages in capital letters, with provocative phrases such as “LIBERATION DAY FOR AMERICA” or “STAND DOWN NOW OR CALIFORNIA WILL COUNTER-STRIKE (LEGALLY!).”
His use of irony and satirical imagery has become a strategy to hit the opposition. When conservative media criticizes him, Newsom responds with personal words, even giving humorous nicknames to some of his critics, something that makes the confrontation more visible in the public eye.
3. Trump counters: reactions and downgrades on Truth Social
Trump did not remain silent. He immediately launched personal attacks, calling Newsom “Gavin Newscum,” and declaring that Newsom is at the bottom of the polls and is destroying California. He presents himself as the only person who can “save California.”
Trump and his team even went so far as to accuse Newsom of using fake polls. But recent polls show Newsom’s popularity has risen: where he once had the most disapproval, he now has a favorability rating above 50 percent. Many political analysts believe his moves will put him in a strong position for the future, even as a possible candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
4. Reaction among the political class
On the other hand, some Republican leaders have criticized the way Newsom is imitating Trump’s style on social media. They say it doesn’t make him look authentic, but rather like a copycat. They emphasize that in order to build trust, Democrats need a message that comes from their own voice, rather than copying Trump’s methods.
This raises a big strategic question: will Trump’s imitation help Newsom attract more attention or could it backfire if people see it as a game?
5. A rivalry that began long ago
Newsom’s confrontation with Trump did not start today. They have been at odds for years over immigration, federal funding, environmental protections, and even the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A notable episode was when Trump sent federal troops to Los Angeles during protests without the governor’s consent. Newsom responded with a legal challenge, claiming that this was a violation of federalist principles. The episode has given the rivalry a national dimension.
Newsom as a central figure in the political war against Trump
Gavin Newsom is positioning himself as one of Donald Trump’s most prominent political opponents at the moment. With his legal strategies such as redistricting, his use of social media to attack and taunt, and his image as a defender of democracy, he has emerged as a leader who is not afraid to take risks.
For Democrats, he is a leader who has the courage to “return blow for blow.” For many Republicans, he is an adversary who risks ethically and politically. But one thing is clear: the rivalry between Newsom and Trump will continue to shape American politics for years to come, and it could have major implications for the 2028 presidential election.
By.Wilgens Sirise
