The Governor’s Sudden Change of Heart
Gavin Newsom is everywhere in the news again. But this time, it’s not just because he’s fighting with President Trump.
The California governor has been making headlines for two big reasons. First, he launched a podcast where he talks to conservative guests like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon. Second, he’s pushing a plan to redraw California’s voting maps to fight back against changes in Texas.
Think of it like this: imagine your neighbor who always complains about your lawn suddenly starts bringing you cookies and asking to borrow your tools. You’d wonder what they really want, right? That’s exactly how many people feel about Newsom’s recent moves.
The Podcast That Has Everyone Talking
Newsom started a podcast called “This is Gavin Newsom” where he says he wants to have “honest discussions with people that agree AND disagree with us.”
The show has featured big conservative names and Trump allies like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. But here’s the kicker: on his first episode, Newsom said it was “deeply unfair” for transgender athletes to participate in girls’ sports.
This shocked a lot of people. Newsom has spent years supporting transgender rights. He even signed bills making California a refuge for transgender health care. Now he’s agreeing with conservatives on sports issues? Many Democrats feel betrayed.
A survey of 1,000 Californians found that twice as many people said the podcast hurt their view of Newsom compared to those who said it helped. His approval rating dropped from 52% to 47% after the podcast launched.
The Social Media Trolling Campaign
But Newsom’s podcast isn’t the only thing getting attention. His social media team has started a weird campaign to copy President Trump’s posting style. They’re writing everything in ALL CAPS and using Trump’s exact phrases and methods.
Newsom’s posts are being shared from his press office’s account. Many are signed with “GCN,” a riff off of Trump’s “DJT” signature. They call Trump names like “Donald ‘Taco’ Trump” and mock his “tiny hands.”
One post said “GAVIN NEWSOM (MANY SAY THE MOST LOVED & HANDSOME GOVERNOR)” – copying Trump’s style exactly.
When asked about it, Newsom told reporters “I’m just following his example” and said the posts are meant to be a “wake up call” about Trump’s behavior. But it looks more like a grown man having a tantrum on social media.
The strategy might be working for getting attention. In August alone, his office tracked one billion impressions over X, TikTok, Facebook, and other social media, with millions of new followers. But copying someone you claim to oppose seems pretty silly.
The Texas Fight and California’s Response
While making his podcast, Newsom has also been battling President Trump over voting maps. In August, Newsom announced plans for a state constitutional amendment to fight back against what he calls Trump’s attempts to “rig Texas’ elections” through gerrymandering.
Newsom wants California to redraw its own maps to add more Democratic seats to Congress. He’s pushing for a special election on November 4 to give Democrats five more seats in California. He even posted on social media that the new maps “WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY”.
This is the same thing Newsom usually criticizes Republicans for doing. But now he’s doing it himself and calling it fair.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For conservatives who believe in limited government, Newsom’s moves show everything wrong with modern politics. He’s willing to change his positions when it helps him politically. He’s also expanding government power to fight political battles instead of focusing on real problems. His social media antics make him look unprofessional and childish.
Think about it this way: California has huge problems. Gas prices are so high that Newsom is now working with oil companies he used to attack. People are leaving the state because of high costs and crime. But instead of fixing these issues, Newsom is focused on national politics, podcasting, and posting memes on social media.
The redistricting plan is especially troubling. Newsom wants to use taxpayer money for a special election that’s really just about gaining political power. This isn’t governing – it’s campaigning at public expense.
The Real Reason Behind the Changes
Most political experts think this is all about 2028. Newsom can’t run for governor again because of term limits. He’s widely expected to run for president in 2028 and needs to look more moderate to win outside California.
The New Yorker suggests that he needs his podcast to distance himself from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. By agreeing with conservatives on some issues, he hopes to show he’s not just another far-left politician.
But this creates a big problem. If Newsom changes his positions based on what’s popular, how can anyone trust what he really believes?
What’s Coming Next
The redistricting fight will likely go to voters in November. If it passes, it could change the balance of power in Congress. But it will also set a bad example of using government resources for political gain.
Newsom’s podcast will probably continue featuring conservative guests. He’s already hosted several prominent right-wing figures and commentators. Each appearance gets him more national attention.
What Conservatives Should Do
Conservatives should stay skeptical of Newsom’s changes. A politician who flips positions to gain votes isn’t someone you can trust with power. His record as California governor shows he supports big government solutions that don’t work.
If you live in California, pay attention to the redistricting vote. Don’t let politicians use your tax money to redraw maps for their own benefit. Contact your representatives and tell them to focus on real problems like crime, housing costs, and education instead of political games.
For conservatives outside California, Newsom’s actions show why limited government matters. When politicians have too much power, they use it to help themselves instead of the people they’re supposed to serve.
Remember: a leopard doesn’t change its spots, and politicians rarely change their true beliefs. Newsom’s sudden shift looks a lot more like political calculation than genuine change of heart.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
