Vice President JD Vance criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday for trying to “mimic” President Trump’s style on social media.
In an interview on Fox News’s “The Ingraham Angle,” the vice president said Newsom’s revamped approach to online messaging misses the “fundamental genius” that has fueled Trump’s appeal.
“This idea that Gavin Newsom is somehow going to mimic Donald Trump’s style — I think that ignores the fundamental genius of President Trump’s political success,” Vance said, “which is that he’s authentic.”
“He just is who he is,” Vance added.
The comments came after Fox News host Laura Ingraham noted Democrats “are still doing their 2024 autopsy” and seem to have concluded that they need to be tougher and “be more like Trump in tone” to win future elections.
Vance said that lesson is misguided.
“Look, the autopsy for the Democrats — some free political advice from the president of the United States — is stop sounding like crazy people,” Vance said. “That really is all it is.”
“You’ve got to be yourself,” Vance added after criticizing Newsom’s approach. “You’ve actually got to talk to people honestly about the issues. I don’t think it’s that complicated: Don’t be a crazy person. Be authentic.”
Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, in recent days has rolled out a revamped messaging strategy that mirrors Trump’s signature social media style. The California governor has posted rants in all-caps letters, he’s assigned nicknames to his political opponents, and he’s referred to his legislative proposals and political rallies as “beautiful.”
While Newsom’s approach has been embraced by many Democrats, who have struggled to find their footing since losing the 2024 election, the governor has faced criticism from some Republicans and Fox News hosts.
“FOX HATES THAT I AM AMERICA’S MOST FAVORITE GOVERNOR (“RATINGS KING”) SAVING AMERICA,” Newsom’s office posted earlier this week, responding to that criticism.
