California Gov. Gavin Newsom sharpened his attacks on JD Vance on Wednesday, taking aim at the Ohio senator’s latest television appearance and mocking his future political prospects.
Newsom’s broadside came after Vance, 41, appeared as a co-host on Fox News’ The Five. In one clip circulating on X, Vance transitioned into a lighthearted segment about whether dad jokes are “fundamental to parenting.”
Journalist Aaron Rupar responded by joking that Vance was “auditioning to be a Fox host apparently.” Newsom quickly joined in, using the moment to deliver a political jab of his own.
“Makes sense. JD is going to need a job in 2028 since he won’t be president,” Newsom, 58, wrote in reply.
The California governor followed up with another post targeting Vance’s defense of former President Donald Trump’s economic record. Sharing footage from Vance’s Tuesday appearance on The View, Newsom wrote: “JD Vance can’t even defend Trump’s economy with a straight face.”
The exchange marked another pointed swipe from Newsom as he continues to position himself as one of the Democratic Party’s most aggressive messengers against prominent Republican figures.
‘Maybe that’s because Americans are getting crushed by it. Gas. Groceries. Inflation. ALL UP!’ Newsom wrote.
‘These clowns are in over their heads.’
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Vice President JD Vance’s turn as a cohost on Fox News’ The Five on Wednesday. Pictured, Newsom at the 2026 SXSW Conference And Festival in Austin, Texas, in March
Newsom, 58, replied to an X post with footage of Vance segueing to a soft-ball segment
Both appearances had been part of the vice president’s media tour promoting the release of his new book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith. The book hit shelves on Tuesday.
Newsom was not mentioned during either of the appearances he panned.
The Five segment took a playful look at a study that found ‘cringeworthy dad jokes’ may strengthen bonds between fathers and their children.
‘My favorite dad joke is one my son told me… What do you call a fly with no wings?’ Vance said at the segment’s start.
‘A walk!’
A more serious Jessica Tarlov set out on explaining how ‘dad jokes are so great because they’re not only for the younger audience, they’re an affirmation to the mom or the partner of how much you care and how much you want to be [a parent].’
Greg Gutfeld shot back: ‘Don’t forget trans parents!’
A snickering Vance interrupted: ‘Birth persons.’
The vice president talks about the benefits of dad jokes during Tuesday’s The Five appearance, where he was billed as a ‘cohost’
Vance’s appearance on The View Tuesday was visibly more stressful, with plenty of questions about the economy and administration
Vance’s appearance on The View was visibly more stressful, with the opinion show’s mostly progressive hosts peppering him with questions for nearly an hour.
The politician remained diplomatic for the duration.
He and Newsom have been frequently pitted against each other in a hypothetical 2028 head-to-head as the end of Donald Trump’s second term looms.
Newsom revealed on Monday that the Department of Justice had begun investigating him and members of his family. He was at the USA and Paraguay game with his son, Hunter, on Friday
The vice president’s book is a 304-page memoir touted as ‘a spiritual exploration of what it means to be a Christian in all the seasons of life.’ He converted to Catholicism from Protestantism in 2019.
Neither he nor Newsom has announced any intent to run for president.
Newsom revealed on Monday that the Department of Justice had begun investigating him and members of his family.
The nature and reason for the investigation remain unknown.
Newsom, on X, alleged the DOJ was ‘simply trying to find’ evidence of any crimes.
‘Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,’ he said in a video statement.
‘He’s coming after me because I am considering running for President. Because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit. Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt President in American history.’
