In recent days, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new publicity strategy that mirrors Donald Trump's signature social media style—posting in ALL CAPS, creating memes, giving political opponents nicknames, and even describing his own legislative proposals and political rallies as "beautiful."

Governor Newsom's press office has been posting Trump-style promotional images on X.

"This is copying what he (Trump) does," Newsom explained at a news conference. "If you have a problem with what I'm posting, then you should certainly be more concerned about what he posts as president."

This strategy has not only boosted Newsom's visibility on social media platforms but also contributed to rising approval ratings.

Jeff Le, former deputy cabinet secretary to former California Governor Jerry Brown, told media that Newsom's move responds to widespread public dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party's perceived lack of fighting spirit against Trump and the party's growing leadership gap.

However, Kevin Madden, a longtime Republican strategist, said Democrats should focus on messaging rather than "communication tactics." "Newsom has launched new podcasts and is active on social media, but beyond increased clicks and downloads, can this approach change public opinion and enhance the Democratic Party's brand image? So far, there's little evidence of that," Madden analyzed.

**Criticizing Newsom Means Criticizing Trump?**

Multiple media outlets report that Newsom's team began mimicking Trump early this month. On the morning of August 11, "Governor Newsom Press Office @GovPressOffice" posted: "Donald Trump, if you don't back down, we will be forced to lead efforts to redraw California's districts to counter red state gerrymandering."

Like many Trump posts, it ended with "Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Newsom's press office said the post was originally intended as a one-time joke. However, due to the strong response, Newsom's communications team decided to continue this approach.

Newsom's press office even created a series of memes placing his image in popular MAGA movement scenarios, such as superimposing Newsom's face onto Mount Rushmore. Another shows Newsom heroically standing before the Golden Gate Bridge with fireworks celebrating California as the world's fourth-largest economy.

Internet users also created memes of Newsom riding a velociraptor with a tattered American flag behind him, and images of Newsom showing off six-pack abs while riding a dinosaur, holding guns pointed skyward.

The Governor Newsom Press Office posted on X with the caption: "Happy Liberation Day! Thank you!" The text on the image read "Long Live the King."

In recent days, the Republican camp has increased criticism of Newsom. Conservative media Fox News host Dana Perino said on her show: "As California's governor, he has important responsibilities. If he wants higher office, he needs to be more serious."

Newsom's team responded using Trump's characteristic ALL CAPS and exclamation points: "Dana 'Ding Dong' Perino (I'd never heard of her before today!) is going crazy because of me! Fox hates that I'm becoming 'America's Most Popular Governor' ('Ratings King'), saving America—while Trump can't even conquer the 'big steps' on Air Force One!! Trump has 'lost his step,' and Fox is falling apart because when I type, America wins!! Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Political news website Politico noted that Newsom's team views criticism from Trump's camp as a victory. In their view, if Trump allies attack Newsom's strategy, they're indirectly criticizing Trump.

"I hope this serves as a wake-up call for the American president," Newsom said when responding to questions about his social media style. "If you have a problem with what I'm posting, then you should certainly be concerned about what he posts as president... I think the deeper question is, how can we allow his tweets, and tweets on 'Truth Social' over these years, to go without similar scrutiny and attention?"

**Is Newsom's Strategy Working?**

As of the 20th, Newsom's communications team's X account "Governor Newsom Press Office" has approximately 445,000 followers, an increase of about 250,000 since August 1st. Additionally, the account's follower growth rate has exceeded that of other Democratic governors.

Newsom's follower counts on Instagram and TikTok are also growing significantly. According to CNN, since August 1st, daily Google searches for Newsom have increased by approximately 500%.

Newsom's polling numbers have also risen. A recent poll by UC Irvine found that after launching attacks on Trump, Newsom's approval rating among California residents increased while Trump's decreased.

"There's no doubt that Newsom's battle with Trump benefits his approval rating in California, especially among Democrats and independents," the report analysis stated.

Newsweek, citing a poll by Echelon Insights, reported that among potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, Newsom currently ranks second with 13% support, trailing only former Vice President Kamala Harris and ahead of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).

Jamal Simmons, a Democratic strategist who served as Harris's communications director, believes Newsom's approach has injected the Democratic Party with a shot of adrenaline.

"Newsom is winning Democrats' hearts, and people who don't care about politics are asking about him—they really like Newsom."

Sarah Roberts, director of the Center for Critical Internet Inquiry at UCLA, suggested that Newsom's posts attract so much attention possibly because they contrast sharply with Democrats' cautious, business-as-usual ineffective approach.

"Newsom's approach is indeed a bit excessive, but we're living in excessive times, aren't we? This provides some comfort to many people who want to 'fight fire with fire.'"

Jeff Le believes Newsom's strategy is "not without risks." "If terrible natural disasters occur, such as fires or mudslides, the White House might remember this account, and the president might be less willing to provide timely federal funding and support."