By News Editor 
In a radical departure from geriatric Democratic politics, California Governor Gavin Newsom has positioned himself as a prominent figure in the ongoing political battle against former President Donald Trump. The foray into a more muscular social media campaign is also telegraphing a new era for Gavin as he emerges a presidential candidate.
Newsom’s staff is now utilizing social media to amplify his message and rally support within the Democratic Party, but not in the Clinton style ‘when they go low, we go high’.
In a series of posts, Newsom has captured attention with his biting commentary, asserting that California will redraw its congressional maps to help counteract what he called “Trump’s Texas rigging.” The practice is referred to as ‘gerrymandering’ where a congressional district is defined in a completely politically party aligned way. This makes it so that a geographical zone becomes partisan to one particular party at the federal level of political representation.
In a recent tweet, Newsom provocatively stated, “Small men hide from history’s giants,” in response to Trump’s controversial removal of former President Barack Obama’s portrait from the White House.
The governor’s remarks have resonated widely, fueling discussions among supporters and critics alike about his strategy to claim control in the upcoming electoral cycles. While some democratic loyalists celebrate his foray into social media trolling as refreshing, others express disillusionment, questioning his leadership as governor. “I was not feeling Gavin Newsom… But wow, I’m all about him now,” one supporter proclaimed, while others have highlighted concerns regarding his governance track record: “He’s a tool, to be sure… I know he’ll let us all down soon.”
Amidst these debates, Newsom is not shy about flaunting his political prowess. His latest initiative to combat potential gerrymandering efforts in Texas has earned him praise from a broad range of presidential election voters. Critics argue that his tactics may be more spectacle than substance, noting the irony in Democratic leaders engaging in tactics they have long criticized. However, Newsom is a much needed departure and there is little connecting him to the old guard of the Democratic Party. Notably, Newsom’s public persona has evolved into that of a master troller, leveraging humor and sharp criticism as tools in his political arsenal.
In the absence of a role model, leaders need only look at the targeted ferocity of Gavin Newsom. Attitude is 1/2 the battle. It’s not enough by itself, but without it…you have impotency.
— Jack Hopkins-The Original (@therealjackhopkins.bsky.social) August 13, 2025 at 8:57 PM
As Newsom prepares for his scheduled press conference this Thursday, where he is expected to unveil further details about California’s redistricting plan and intensify the push against Trump’s alleged electoral manipulations, the question remains: will his bold rhetoric translate into tangible political victories, or will it falter in the face of public scrutiny? In a political landscape increasingly dominated by social media influence, Newsom’s strategy reflects broader trends among contemporary politicians as they navigate the challenges of engaging voters and asserting their positions. As his popularity surges within certain circles, the coming weeks will likely reveal whether this gubernatorial ‘trolling’ will consolidate his standing on the national stage or leave him vulnerable to backlash.