Gavin Newsom’s Trump Imitation: Funny Theater, Serious Consequences for Californians

California Governor Gavin Newsom has always had a flair for political theater. From his slick press conferences to his ability to dominate national media cycles, Newsom knows how to keep the spotlight on himself. But in recent weeks, his tactics have taken a surprising turn. Instead of the polished progressive reformer image he usually cultivates, Newsom has begun openly imitating Donald Trump’s online style — all-caps tweets, bombastic nicknames, and melodramatic declarations of his own greatness.

This shift hasn’t gone unnoticed. On the August 22 episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the host chuckled while pointing it out:

“Gavin Newsom is now trolling Trump. I’ve never seen a Democrat do this… He’s imitating Trump’s exact style.”

Maher’s panel, however, wasn’t as amused. Journalist Frank Bruni warned that Democrats have been mocking Trump since 2015, and it hasn’t slowed him down. “At least it’s bold,” Bruni said, “but I’m not sure it’s smart.” Maher himself added, “Don’t try to outsmart people. You have to outstupid them.” It was meant as a laugh line — but it revealed something darker about where American politics is headed.

The Circus Comes to California

The Turkish proverb is timeless, and it couldn’t be more relevant today. Newsom’s attempt to borrow from Trump’s playbook doesn’t elevate him; it lowers the discourse and cheapens the office of governor. Instead of focusing on issues that matter — cost of living, housing shortages, water policy, public safety — we’re left watching a Twitter sideshow that turns Sacramento into a stage for late-night comedy fodder.

Newsom has long positioned himself as Trump’s opposite: progressive, polished, and rooted in California’s technocratic liberalism. But in this latest turn, he’s not opposing Trump’s style — he’s absorbing it. And in the process, California politics risks being transformed into the very thing its leaders claim to despise: a circus where performance overshadows policy.

The Redistricting Game

All of this spectacle comes at a moment when California Democrats are quietly engaged in something far more consequential: redistricting. In theory, California is supposed to have one of the nation’s fairest systems, thanks to the independent redistricting commission that voters approved years ago. But recent maneuvers suggest that the governor and legislative leaders are not above gaming the system for political gain.

Framed as a response to Republican gerrymandering in Texas and elsewhere, the reality in California is less noble. The new maps being advanced consolidate Democratic power, protect incumbents, and reduce competition. Districts that might otherwise have been competitive are being redrawn to guarantee one-party dominance. In some areas, this effectively locks voters into choices they never made — while pretending it’s all in the name of fairness.

In other words: while the governor posts jokes in Trumpian capital letters, real decisions are being made that will shape California politics for the next decade. And those decisions overwhelmingly serve the politicians, not the people.

Good for Newsom, Bad for Californians

From a purely partisan standpoint, the redistricting effort is “good politics.” It protects Gavin Newsom’s allies, shores up Democratic supermajorities, and insulates the governor from meaningful challenges. But for Californians, it’s bad news. It means fewer contested elections, fewer choices on the ballot, and fewer opportunities for real accountability. When politicians pick their voters instead of voters picking their politicians, democracy suffers.

Ironically, the very thing Newsom mocks Republicans for doing in red states is happening right here in California. The difference? He has wrapped it in parody, sarcasm, and self-congratulation — hoping the public laughs at the jokes instead of looking closely at the maps.

The Libertarian Perspective

Libertarians have long warned that concentrated political power leads to abuse, no matter which party holds it. When Democrats control the process, they justify it as a response to Republicans. When Republicans control the process, they justify it as a response to Democrats. Meanwhile, voters are left with fewer choices and less representation.

The Libertarian solution is straightforward: take redistricting out of the hands of self-interested politicians and put it under truly independent, transparent control. Protect competition. Protect voter choice. And stop turning elections into rigged contests decided before voters even cast their ballots.

Conclusion: Memes vs. Leadership

Gavin Newsom’s new online persona may be entertaining. It may even win him retweets and headlines. But Californians don’t need a governor who imitates Trump’s trolling style. They need a governor who addresses the state’s real challenges and respects the principle of fair representation.

As the Turkish proverb reminds us: when a clown moves into a palace, the palace becomes a circus. Californians deserve better than a circus. They deserve accountability, transparency, and leadership grounded in substance — not just style.