Here’s what started California governor’s trolling of Donald Trump

PoliticsOpinion
27 Aug 2025 • 12:07 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • California Governor Gavin Newsom adopted a confrontational approach to misinformation, initially during the LA wildfires, by directly challenging claims made by Donald Trump.
  • Newsom's strategy involves actively fighting back against political opponents, including through social media, interviews, and even merchandise that parodies traditional political aesthetics.
  • This aggressive stance has positioned Newsom as a prominent national Democrat, particularly in response to issues like Texas's congressional redistricting, and is seen as a potential foundation for a 2028 presidential bid.
  • His 'trolling' extends to other figures associated with the MAGA movement, such as Governors Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis, by correcting their statements and countering their attacks.
  • While effective in generating attention, there is debate among strategists regarding the long-term efficacy of Newsom's combative style for winning over a broader electorate.

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