California Governor Gavin Newsom, never one to shy away from a political dust-up, once again took aim at former President Donald Trump during a high-profile interview at Politico’s summit on August 28, 2025. Newsom, who has become known for his sharp-tongued jabs and social media mimicry of Trump, suggested that the former president is already plotting an unconstitutional bid to remain in power. He didn’t just make the claim—he brought props.
According to Politico, Newsom told interviewer Christopher Cadelago that he’s received “two dozen ‘Trump 2028’ hats” from Trump’s own team, a not-so-subtle wink to the idea that Trump might be eyeing a third term. That, of course, would be in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms. Newsom quipped, “Who spends $200 million on a ballroom at their home and then leaves the house?” The line drew laughter from the summit crowd, but Newsom quickly shifted to a more somber tone: “This is serious, guys. This is serious.”
The governor’s remarks weren’t limited to playful banter. When pressed by Cadelago about the possibility of Trump running again in 2028, Newsom didn’t mince words. “This guy doesn’t believe in free and fair elections,” he said. “He tried to wreck this country. Were you there? Jan. 6?” Newsom’s reference to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was a pointed reminder of the events that have shaped the nation’s political landscape since 2021. “Trump tried to light democracy on fire,” Newsom insisted, “and now he’s doing it in plain sight.”
Newsom’s comments come at a time when speculation about Trump’s political future is at a fever pitch. Despite constitutional limits, Trump has repeatedly flirted with the idea of extending his stay in the White House, whether through social media hints or offhand comments at rallies. For some, it’s just bluster; for others, it’s a genuine concern about the future of American democracy.
But Newsom isn’t just talking—he’s trolling. As reported by Fox News, the California governor has taken his criticism of Trump to a new level, launching a line of merchandise in his online store, ‘THE PATRIOT SHOP,’ that pokes fun at the former president and his loyal MAGA base. One of the most popular items? A red cap, unmistakably styled after Trump’s signature MAGA hats, but emblazoned with the phrase, “NEWSOM WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING!”
Newsom’s online antics don’t stop there. He’s leveraged his gubernatorial press office account to fire off Trump-style tweets, mimicking the former president’s bombastic online persona. In one post, Newsom declared, “EXCEPT WHAT IS WRITTEN AND BROADCAST IN THE FAKE NEWS, I NOW HAVE THE HIGHEST POLL NUMBERS I’VE EVER HAD, SOME IN THE 60’S AND EVEN 70’S. THANK YOU. MAKE AMERICA GAVIN AGAIN!!! — GCN” The message, dripping with irony, is a clear send-up of Trump’s own social media bravado.
And if hats and tweets weren’t enough, Newsom announced plans to introduce a new item to his shop: a coin. Not just any coin, but a “Trump corruption coin,” as he mused during his remarks. The idea, he said, came after a conversation with Trump about the former president’s own cryptocurrency meme coin. “I think we’ll add a coin,” Newsom said, adding that it might be called a “Trump corruption coin or something.” The governor’s willingness to lampoon Trump’s foray into the world of meme coins and crypto grifts is just the latest twist in their ongoing feud.
Not everyone is amused by Newsom’s approach. Former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile, for one, dismissed the governor’s social media mimicry, calling for “serious people” in these “serious times.” Brazile’s comments reflect a broader concern among some Democrats that Newsom’s trolling, while entertaining to some, risks trivializing the very real threats facing American democracy. In an era marked by disinformation, election denial, and political violence, the line between satire and substance can feel awfully thin.
Still, Newsom seems undeterred. His willingness to take on Trump—both online and off—has cemented his status as one of the Democratic Party’s most visible Trump antagonists. Whether it’s through pointed interviews, clever merchandise, or viral tweets, Newsom has carved out a niche as the party’s resident Trump troll. And if the flurry of ‘Trump 2028’ hats piling up in his office is any indication, he’s not backing down anytime soon.
The governor’s approach is, in part, a reflection of the broader political climate. With the 2028 presidential race already looming on the horizon, Democrats and Republicans alike are jockeying for position. For Newsom, a potential contender himself, the stakes are high. His public sparring with Trump serves not only to energize his base but also to position himself as a national figure capable of taking on the GOP’s most formidable standard-bearer.
But there’s also a deeper undercurrent to Newsom’s campaign of mockery. By lampooning Trump’s rhetoric and tactics, Newsom is making a broader point about the dangers of political extremism and the need to safeguard democratic norms. His references to January 6 and his warnings about Trump’s intentions are more than just partisan shots—they’re a call to vigilance in an age of uncertainty.
Of course, not everyone agrees with Newsom’s methods. Critics argue that trolling the former president does little to address the underlying issues facing the country. They contend that the focus should be on policy, not personality, and that the constant back-and-forth only deepens the nation’s political divides. Supporters, on the other hand, see Newsom’s tactics as a necessary counter to Trump’s own brand of political theater—a way to fight fire with fire, so to speak.
As the 2028 election cycle heats up, one thing is clear: the battle for America’s political soul is as fierce as ever. Whether through hats, coins, or tweets, the fight over the future of democracy is playing out in real time—and Gavin Newsom is determined to have his say.
For now, the governor’s blend of humor, outrage, and pointed critique keeps him in the national spotlight. Whether it’s enough to tip the scales in his favor—or to blunt Trump’s enduring influence—remains to be seen. But in the ever-evolving arena of American politics, one thing’s for sure: the show is far from over.
