California Governor Gavin Newsom’s shameless adoption of Trump’s social media playbook has backfired spectacularly, drawing sharp criticism from his own liberal allies who recognize the desperate mimicry for what it truly is.

Story Highlights

• Sara Haines of “The View” blasts Newsom for copying Trump’s social media tactics, calling it ineffective and inauthentic
• Newsom has been using all-caps posts, mocking nicknames, and viral trolling since mid-August 2025
• Democratic Party figures are divided over whether adopting Trump’s combative style helps or hurts their cause
• Haines advocates for substantive leaders like Wes Moore over Newsom’s attention-seeking approach

Liberal Media Host Exposes Newsom’s Copycat Strategy

Sara Haines delivered a scathing rebuke of Gavin Newsom’s social media strategy during “The View” on September 26, 2025. The co-host argued that Newsom’s Trump-inspired tactics amount to “playing someone else’s game” and fail to provide the substance voters actually want. Haines emphasized that “nobody outdoes Trump” and criticized Democrats for abandoning authentic messaging in favor of cheap imitation. This criticism comes from within Newsom’s own ideological camp, making it particularly damaging to his political aspirations.

GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM'S CONTINUED ATTACKS ON TRUMP: 'The View' co-hosts weigh in on the California governor waging a scorched-earth campaign by mirroring the president's MAGA messaging to use against him. pic.twitter.com/BH6i5vdLvw

— The View (@TheView) September 26, 2025

Newsom’s Desperate Transformation Into Trump Clone

Since mid-August 2025, Newsom’s press office has dramatically shifted toward Trump’s signature style, employing all-caps posts, mocking nicknames, and provocative content designed to go viral. The governor’s September 25 post featuring an AI-generated “Newsom Wine” spoof in response to Trump Vodka exemplifies this calculated mimicry. This transformation reveals Newsom’s recognition that his previous political persona failed to generate national attention, forcing him to borrow from the master of political communication. The strategy represents a fundamental admission that Trump’s approach works better than traditional Democratic messaging.

Democratic Party Split Over Copycat Tactics

The controversy has exposed deep divisions within Democratic ranks about effective political communication. While Haines advocates for authentic leaders like Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Elissa Slotkin, and Sarah McBride, co-host Joy Behar defended Newsom’s approach as necessary mockery to capture attention. Former DNC Chair Donna Brazile previously criticized these tactics as unserious, stating that “serious times require serious people at the table.” This internal debate highlights the party’s struggle to compete with Trump’s proven formula without appearing derivative and desperate.

Voters Demand Substance Over Social Media Stunts

Haines correctly identified the core problem with Newsom’s approach: voters want “substance,” “solutions,” and “problem-solving” rather than social media theatrics. This critique reflects broader conservative concerns about politicians prioritizing viral moments over governing competence. Newsom’s strategy may generate short-term engagement but risks alienating voters who expect their leaders to focus on real issues rather than Twitter feuds. The criticism from his own allies suggests even liberal media figures recognize the emptiness of this approach.

The fact that Newsom feels compelled to imitate Trump’s communication style demonstrates the former president’s continued dominance in political messaging. This controversy reveals both the effectiveness of Trump’s original approach and the futility of Democratic attempts to replicate it without the authenticity that made it successful in the first place.

Watch the report: Will Trolling Trump Help Newsom? | The View

Sources:

‘The View’ co-host Sara Haines criticizes Newsom’s Trump copycat social media approach
‘The View’ co-host Sara Haines criticizes Newsom’s Trump copycat social media approach
Gavin Newsom toasts Trump Vodka with his own ‘Newsom Wine’