The 7 Most Savage Ways Gavin Newsom Trolled Donald Trump: A 2025 Political Playbook

The political rivalry between California Governor Gavin Newsom and former President Donald Trump has escalated dramatically, transforming into a high-stakes, digital-first campaign defined by aggressive, Trump-style trolling. As of December 18, 2025, Newsom has firmly cemented his role as the Democratic Party's chief antagonist to the Republican leader, using a series of calculated, often viral, attacks that are widely seen as a foundational strategy for a potential 2028 presidential bid. This new approach involves adopting the very high-intensity, propaganda-style playbook that Trump pioneered, turning the tables with mock slogans, theatrical stunts, and relentless social media warfare. These recent confrontations are not merely political banter; they are deliberate, strategic moves designed to capture national attention, define Newsom as a fearless counter-puncher, and frame the ideological battle between the progressive state of California and the Trump administration's policies. The governor's team has weaponized everything from website development to AI-generated content to undermine the former President's authority and cognitive fitness, signaling a new, bare-knuckle era in Democratic political strategy.

Gavin Newsom: Biography and Political Profile

Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman who has served as the 40th Governor of California since 2019. His political career began in San Francisco, where he was born on October 10, 1967.

Key Biographical Details:

• Full Name: Gavin Christopher Newsom
• Date of Birth: October 10, 1967
• Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, US
• Education: Santa Clara University
• Current Office: 40th Governor of California (since 2019)
• Previous Offices: Lieutenant Governor of California (2011–2019), Mayor of San Francisco (2004–2011)
• Early Career: Started a retail wine shop and business ventures after college.
• Political Affiliation: Democratic Party
• Current Status: Widely viewed as the unofficial Democratic frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election.

Newsom is known for his progressive stance on issues like climate change, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights, often putting him in direct ideological conflict with the Trump administration.

The New Playbook: Newsom’s Most Aggressive Trolling Tactics

The political feud between Newsom and Trump has moved beyond traditional press releases and into the realm of viral, high-production digital attacks. Newsom's strategy is clear: fight fire with fire, using the former President's own media-savvy tactics against him. This approach has generated significant national buzz, positioning the California Governor as the Democratic Party’s most effective counterweight.

1. The "Walk of Fatigue" Cognitive Fitness Troll

One of Newsom's most viral and personal attacks involved mocking Donald Trump’s perceived lack of cognitive fitness. His team circulated a photograph, which they dubbed the "Walk of Fatigue," specifically designed to highlight moments where the former President appeared frail or physically struggling. This move was a direct, theatrical jab at Trump's age and health, mirroring the type of personal attacks often leveled by Trump against his opponents.

2. The "Criminal Cronies" Pardon-Tracking Website

In a move that blended digital activism with political opposition research, Governor Newsom unveiled a dedicated website designed to track and publicize Donald Trump's controversial presidential pardons. The site meticulously details the beneficiaries of these pardons, including convicted drug traffickers, fraudsters, and individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. This tactic serves a dual purpose: it keeps the issue of executive clemency in the news cycle and frames Trump as a protector of "criminal cronies," directly attacking his perceived integrity.

3. The AI Video Mockery

Leveraging emerging technology for political warfare, Newsom's team posted an apparently AI-generated video that depicted Donald Trump and other Republican figures, such as War Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a mocking context. This use of sophisticated, deepfake-style content demonstrated Newsom’s willingness to push the boundaries of political media, using the very tools of the digital age to troll the White House and its allies.

4. The "Art of the Deal" Spoof Book

Newsom launched a satirical merchandise campaign by hawking a spoof of Donald Trump's infamous business book, The Art of the Deal. Pitched as "Gavin gold" with a personal note, this 48th President-themed parody was a highly public and humorous way to diminish Trump’s brand and narrative. This tactic not only generates revenue but also creates a memorable, shareable political artifact that reinforces the rivalry.

5. The Constitutional Amendment Pursuit

Moving from digital trolling to legislative strategy, Newsom pursued a constitutional amendment aimed at retaliating against the Trump administration. This high-profile legislative maneuver, which included calling a special session of the state legislature, was a significant political masterstroke that positioned California as a legal and constitutional bulwark against federal overreach, igniting a major states' rights clash.

6. The COP30 Climate Slam

Following the 2024 election, Newsom immediately slammed Trump for his absence at the COP30 climate conference, accusing the US President of having "abandoned any sense of duty." This attack was a strategic move to highlight the stark ideological differences on climate change and to position Newsom as a global leader on environmental policy, contrasting sharply with the Trump administration's perceived anti-climate stance.

7. Escalated Online Insults and Epstein Clips

Newsom has not shied away from using aggressive language, famously calling President Trump a "son of a b----" over immigration raids, criticizing the administration's approach as "weakness." Furthermore, his online attacks have included resurfacing Epstein-related clips, a clear effort to escalate the personal nature of the feud and leverage highly sensitive material for political gain. Newsom has consistently described Trump as a "wrecking ball," signaling his view of the former President as a destructive force in American politics.

The Strategic Goal: Positioning for the 2028 Presidential Race

The relentless and highly visible nature of Gavin Newsom’s attacks on Donald Trump is not accidental; it is the cornerstone of his long-term national political strategy. Political analysts and strategists widely agree that Newsom is positioning himself as the Democratic frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election. By adopting a high-intensity, confrontational style, Newsom is attempting to solve a crucial problem for Democrats: how to effectively combat a politician who thrives on media attention and aggressive rhetoric. His "Trump-style" playbook—complete with mock slogans, theatrical stunts, and relentless social media engagement—is designed to match Trump's energy and media dominance. This strategy of a "California versus Trump rumble" serves to galvanize the Democratic base, elevate Newsom's national profile, and demonstrate his willingness to take on the Republican Party's most powerful figure head-on. The ongoing political and legal showdowns, such as the 'Newsom v. Trump' lawsuits over issues like military deployment and the AI executive order, keep the Governor in the national spotlight and reinforce his image as a fierce antagonist and protector of progressive values. This calculated political masterstroke is designed to prove that Newsom is the only Democrat capable of fighting and winning against the politics of the Trump era.