California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken an unusual path in politics. For years, he followed the traditional Democratic way of speaking softly, focusing on policy, and avoiding sharp attacks. But now, he has transformed into one of the loudest online voices against  President Donald Trump.

From civil talks to online trolling

Adding drama to this political rivalry is a personal connection. Newsom’s former wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, was later engaged to Trump’s son. This mix of politics and personal history has made the fight between Newsom and Trump one of the most dramatic battles in recent American politics.

In earlier campaigns, Newsom avoided insults and instead promoted programs and policies. But recently, he has started using memes, jokes, and even exaggerated self-promotion, much like Trump has done for years. His online posts are filled with humor, sarcasm, and mocking comments aimed at Trump and his closest allies.

Newsom’s press office even copied Trump’s famous all-caps style. One post loudly declared that he was America’s “favorite governor,” while mocking Trump’s struggles with walking down stairs. The dramatic style caught the attention of both supporters and critics, turning simple tweets into viral moments.

Digital strategists say this switch has given Democrats a new tool in online battles. Instead of staying polite, Newsom is showing that trolling can also be used by the other side.

Personal drama adds to the rivalry

Beyond politics, this clash carries a soap-opera feel because of family ties. Newsom was married to Kimberly Guilfoyle from 2001 to 2006. She later became a key voice in the MAGA movement and was engaged to Trump’s son before the couple ended their relationship.

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This unusual connection has fueled interest in Newsom’s fight against Trump. It adds a human angle to the political battle, making every exchange between the two leaders appear more personal. Trump himself has not held back, calling Newsom insulting names and even saying he should be arrested.

Meanwhile, Guilfoyle has remained an active figure in Republican politics, further highlighting how personal histories and political campaigns have become intertwined.

Polls show Newsom’s strategy is working

The numbers suggest Newsom’s new strategy is gaining traction. Polling data shows that his support has grown across key groups of voters. Young people under 30, older voters over 70, as well as both Black and white voters, have shown increased support for him in recent months.

Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, Newsom has seen double-digit gains. Experts say the sharp rise is connected to his social media presence and his willingness to fight fire with fire.

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Even conservative strategists admit that his approach is unusual for a Democrat. Some say he is trying to mimic Trump’s playbook, while others believe he is the only Democrat showing the kind of fight that resonates online.

Memes and user-generated content have further fueled his rise. Online images now show Newsom in over-the-top, heroic scenes, like riding a raptor or flexing shirtless while holding pistols. His office has confirmed that while they do not use artificial intelligence to write posts, they do use it to create some visuals.

For many Democrats, this has been a sign that the party is adapting to the rough digital world created by Trump’s campaigns. By embracing humor and mockery, Newsom has turned himself from a political outsider into one of the loudest voices of opposition.