Newsom Critiques VP Vance’s Comments on Trump Imitation

California Governor Gavin Newsom took aim at Vice President JD Vance during a Fox News segment on Thursday, accusing him of trying to mimic former President Donald Trump.

Newsom is known for embracing an approach that mirrors Trump’s style, using bold posts and dramatic threats that reflect Trump’s persona. When questioned about Newsom’s emerging presence on social media and his apparent use of Trump-like rhetoric during an appearance on the “Wilcaine Show,” Vance did not hold back.

“I said he’s imitating Donald Trump, and I think that’s totally correct,” Vance stated to host Kane. “The lesson from President Trump in American politics is that authenticity is key. When you see Gavin Newsom acting like Trump, that’s the opposite of being authentic.”

Vance expressed that he perceives the manufactured nature of Newsom’s political persona.

“He’s not trying to be himself; he’s trying to become a fake version of Donald Trump. That’s not going to succeed. You can’t copy the best; it just doesn’t work,” Vance added.

Newsom has attempted to adopt a similar style, posting “All Cap Tillades” and issuing dramatic threats that parallel Trump’s tone. However, he acknowledged on Wednesday that his party faces issues of perceived “weakness,” which he identified as a main challenge for Democrats in upcoming elections.

He recalled former President Bill Clinton’s remarks after the Democrats faced losses in the 2002 midterms, emphasizing the enduring issue: voters often gravitate towards “strong and wrong” leaders rather than those deemed “weak and right.”

These comments come after recent polling showed historic low support for Democrats in 2025, following significant setbacks for the party. While Republicans have gained millions of registered voters, Democrats are struggling, prompting some within the party to call for a return to leftist policies.