The rivalry between California Governor Gavin Newsom and U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an unusual and well reported turn. A meme war on social media sites like Truth Social and X (previously Twitter) has emerged from what started out as intense policy disagreements over immigration enforcement and the National Guard’s deployment.
With edited recordings, scathing hashtags, and popular memes bouncing back and forth, the feud demonstrates how American politics are being influenced online as much as in courtrooms and legislatures.
Geoffrey Hinton Warns AI Could Deepen Inequality and Cause Mass Unemployment
From Cooperation to Conflict
The relationship between Trump and Newsom was not always characterised by animosity. When Trump authorised substantial federal wildfire assistance for California in 2023, garnering uncommon bipartisan acclaim, the two presidents were able to find common ground.
However, Trump’s contentious decision to send National Guard troops and Marines to support federal enforcement, as well as immigration sweeps in Los Angeles, caused relations to drastically deteriorate. Newsom said that the action was provocative and unconstitutional.
The dispute resulted in a federal lawsuit against Trump brought by Newsom’s administration. A California court ruled against the president’s power to utilise military forces for domestic police in this way, dealing a serious blow to the White House. Newsom gained confidence after the court ruling, which paved the way for a fight that has since gone online.
The Spark: Memes and Doctored Videos
The internet debate developed in the first part of September 2025. Trump made an obvious attempt at parody on September 3 when he uploaded a manipulated video on Truth Social that included Newsom’s face overlaid over a man punching a heavy bag with his name.
Newsom responded to X in a matter of hours by posting memes that made fun of Trump’s age, temperament, and health. Using the hashtag #DementiaDon, one post went viral and swiftly became a national trend. Soon after, the meme-driven back and forth gained millions of views and sparked a deluge of user-generated content from both sides’ fans.
Hyundai Georgia Raid Prompts Trump’s Call for Foreign Companies to Comply with Immigration Rules
Gavin Newsom’s Digital Surge
Gavin Newsom has been particularly skilled at using this meme war for political advantage, according to political analysts. One of the best ways to challenge Trump online is through mocking, which “strikes directly at his ego,” according to seasoned Democratic strategist Garry South, who spoke to CNN.
The outcomes are self-evident:
- Newsom has acquired 450,000 new followers on X since June 2025.
- Searches for his name on Google have increased by 1,300%.
- Newsom topped candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pete Buttigieg as the top Democratic presidential candidate in California in 2028, according to a Politico survey.
This increase shows how memes, virality, and cultural resonance can quickly magnify political impact in the digital age.
Elon Musk’s Bold Bet on Tesla Optimus: The Future Beyond Electric Vehicles
Political Maneuvering Beyond Memes
Newsom’s approach goes beyond virtual showmanship. In an attempt to add five Democratic-held seats to the House of Representatives, he has suggested holding a special election to redo California’s congressional districts.
With the support of prominent Democratic leaders like House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Newsom is positioned as a serious political strategist in addition to being an online personality.
Trump, however, seems more and more focused on the governor of California. The president has made reference to Newsom 41 times in 2025 alone, according to media counts, indicating his obsession and unintentionally increasing his opponent’s profile.
Ex-Harvard President Claudine Gay Warns of Trump’s Attacks on U.S. Universities
Democrats in the Meme Arena
Although several Democratic governors have actively opposed Trump, such Wes Moore of Maryland and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, none have been as successful online as Newsom.
- Viral AI-generated pictures portraying Newsom as a superhero have strengthened his reputation with younger voters.
- He has received millions of impressions on memes claiming to be “America’s most favourite governor.
- His digital presence was further solidified by the introduction of a satirical meme coin associated with his online character, which appealed to communities of internet natives.
These strategies distinguish Newsom and show how political branding and entertainment may coexist in internet culture.
U.S. Government Publishes GDP Data on Blockchains: Trump Administration’s Bold Crypto Endorsement
Conservative Backlash
Not everyone finds Newsom’s strategy impressive. The meme war has been denounced as costly and unimportant by conservative media outlets and analysts.
While Trump and Newsom spar online, Fox News presenter Dana Perino contended that Americans are still dealing with issues like inflation, border security, and foreign policy difficulties. “Political theatre that distracts from governance” is how she characterised the feud.
However, a lot of Democratic supporters view the memes as more than just amusement; they see them as a useful tool for “meeting Trump on his own turf” and challenging the president’s internet hegemony.
SpaceX Starship Test Flight: A Milestone Toward Reusable Space Travel
Measuring the Digital Impact
Newsom’s digital footprint is remarkably large. His online material, which includes videos, memes, and retweets, has had over 225 million impressions on various platforms since August 2025.
This visibility is crucial in a time when viral content shapes political narratives just as much as speeches or campaign advertisements. Newsom has gained prominence outside of California by embracing online culture and amplifying his voice nationally and even internationally.
Trump’s Strategy: Attack and Distract
Memes are a logical progression of Trump’s long-standing tactic of using mockery to subjugate opponents. Trump has continuously employed ridicule to set the tone for argument, from monikers like “Crooked Hillary” and “Sleepy Joe” to inflammatory statements on Truth Social.
Newsom’s adept counterpunching, however, poses a problem. In contrast to other Democrats who have found it difficult to counter Trump’s trolling, Newsom seems at ease doing so, frequently equating Trump’s memes with his own, occasionally more viral, inventions.
With both leaders engaged in a conflict where internet perception has actual political repercussions, this tit-for-tat dynamic runs the risk of getting worse.
Bitcoin Smashes Records, Hits $124,500 Amid Policy Support and Institutional Buying
Implications for 2028 and Beyond
Even though the 2028 presidential election is still years away, Newsom’s rising national prominence has raised questions about his goals. If he decides to run for higher office, his capacity to garner support, command internet attention, and position himself as a counterweight to Trump may be crucial.
The fight exposes Trump’s weaknesses while also solidifying his position as the leading figure in Republican politics. He runs the risk of unintentionally helping a potential rival by elevating Newsom through continuous attention.
Conclusion
The conflict between President Trump and Governor Newsom, which began as policy disagreements, has evolved into a meme war of the twenty-first century, highlighting the close relationship between politics and internet culture.
Newsom’s viral ascent serves as evidence of the influence that mockery, internet exposure, and innovative digital tactics may have on political outcomes. The fight is familiar ground for Trump, but it is not risk-free because his opponent has shown an extraordinary ability to play by his own rules.
This meme war is more than just political theatre, with over 225 million online impressions and increasing momentum. It is a sneak peek at how future political conflicts might play out, with as much of the action taking place on screens as in the corridors of power.