California governor Gavin Newsom has taken his social media game to a new level by mocking former First Lady Melania Trump. His move came after reports surfaced that Vanity Fair staff opposed featuring her on the cover of the magazine.
Newsom posted an AI-generated Vanity Fair cover of himself online. In the picture, he was seen wearing a golden crown with the headline “The American King.” The post quickly drew attention because it played off the heated discussions around the magazine’s internal dispute.
Reports suggested that Vanity Fair’s global editorial head wanted the former First Lady to appear on the cover. However, staff members inside the magazine strongly resisted the idea. According to accounts, one senior editor threatened to quit if the plan went ahead, saying they would rather bag groceries than work on such a project.
Sources close to the former First Lady dismissed the claim that she was ever considering the offer. They said she laughed off the request months earlier and had no interest in being on the magazine’s cover. Despite this, the rumors of a staff revolt provided an opening for Newsom to make his latest online jab.
Social Media Persona Inspired by Trump
The governor has been reshaping his online image throughout the summer. His latest trolling posts are part of what many describe as a new, bolder digital persona. Observers have noted that his style seems to mirror that of Donald Trump, known for using all-caps messages and a sharp, mocking tone online.
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By copying these tactics, Newsom has managed to grab more attention on social media. According to recent polling data, his popularity among Democratic voters has increased sharply. His use of satire and mockery appears to be resonating with a section of the public.
His posts are not limited to memes or jokes. They include full mock-ups, merchandise drops, and a steady stream of aggressive slogans. Each post seems crafted to go viral and keep his name trending.
Merchandise and Mockery Combined
Along with his online trolling, the governor has also launched merchandise that borrows ideas from Trump’s well-known campaign branding. He has released red baseball caps that read “Newsom was right about everything!” His online store also sells mugs, shirts, and other items featuring phrases that echo slogans made popular in past political campaigns.
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This combination of humor, provocation, and branding has helped him stand out in the crowded world of political voices. The AI-generated Vanity Fair cover is only the latest example of his strategy. By inserting himself into the magazine’s rumored internal conflict, Newsom ensured that his post would spark headlines and discussions far beyond his own follower base.
The episode shows how he has used controversy as a tool to fuel his rebranded image. By mocking the former First Lady’s rumored link to Vanity Fair and then inserting himself as “The American King,” he once again demonstrated how he blends politics with performance.
