Gavin Newsom Rides Anti-Trump Wave Amid California Chaos
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal Trump critic, is now seeing his name rise in early 2028 speculation—but not because of effective leadership. After Los Angeles spiraled into violent immigration protests, Newsom’s public clash with President Trump drew national attention and applause from far-left activists.
Newsom Defies Trump—Then Claims Victimhood
When President Trump authorized the National Guard to restore order in Los Angeles—without waiting for Newsom’s green light—the California governor didn’t thank him. Instead, Newsom went on the offensive, framing himself as a victim of “executive overreach.” Rather than backing law enforcement, Newsom embraced protestors who clashed with federal immigration agents.
In his latest online posts and interviews, Newsom doubled down, claiming Trump was “destroying democracy.” But for many Americans watching cities burn and crime surge, it’s Newsom’s weak leadership that raises concern.
Democrats Applaud, But Doubts Linger
According to a Morning Consult poll taken after the protests, support for Newsom among Democrats and left-leaning independents rose to 11%, up from 5% in March. Yet Vice President Kamala Harris still leads with 34%. Newsom barely edged out other struggling Democrats like Pete Buttigieg and AOC.
Even liberal analysts admit that Newsom’s appeal may be short-lived. His erratic political behavior—cozying up to Trump for wildfire aid, then attacking him days later—has made him appear inconsistent and opportunistic.
California: A Warning, Not a Model
Newsom’s biggest obstacle may be the very state he governs. Once hailed as a progressive paradise, California is now a national example of what not to do—rampant homelessness, rising crime, drug-filled streets, and sanctuary city chaos.
“It’s a mixed blessing,” said one Democrat strategist. “He has national name recognition, but California’s reputation could sink him.”
That reputation isn’t improving. Images of LA in flames, looted businesses, and citizens living in fear are hard to ignore. Republicans have seized on the moment to highlight what happens when liberal policies go unchecked.
Newsom’s Identity Crisis: Moderate or Radical?
Earlier this year, Newsom tried rebranding. He invited Trump supporters onto his podcast. He praised federal help during wildfires. He even struck a civil tone in DC meetings.
But when the ICE raids and protest clashes hit, Newsom quickly reverted to anti-Trump attacks—proving critics right: he’ll say anything to get ahead.
“He’s all over the place,” said Steven Maviglio, a Democrat strategist. “He tried being the bipartisan guy. That didn’t work. Now he’s trying to be the anti-Trump hero. Voters see through that.”
2028: A Long Road Ahead for the Left
With Trump firmly back in control of the White House, Newsom has found a temporary spotlight. But 2028 is still far away. Experts note that without Trump on the ballot, Newsom’s fiery anti-Trump rhetoric may fall flat.
And with his term ending, Newsom will soon face the challenge of staying relevant after leaving office—a problem that has ended many presidential hopefuls’ ambitions before they begin.
Bottom Line: The Left Cheers, But the Country Watches Closely
Newsom may be popular with the liberal elite, but the rest of the country is asking tough questions:
- Can he control crime in his own state?
- Can he manage disasters without federal handouts?
- Will voters trust a politician who changes his tone based on the headlines?
In the end, Newsom’s rise may say more about the Democratic Party’s lack of leadership than it does about his own abilities. And for millions of Americans, he remains exactly what they don’t want: more California-style chaos on the national stage.
