On Monday, former President Donald Trump stirred up controversy by claiming that California Governor Gavin Newsom had “dropped out of the presidential race.” This statement came shortly after Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Governor Newsom’s wife, criticized Trump for being snubbed by the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team. The team declined a White House visit after Trump jokingly suggested he might be impeached if he didn’t extend an invitation to them. Jennifer Siebel Newsom commented on social media, “Clearly they prefer arenas where women are actually respected! As they should.” Trump countered with a post on Truth Social, saying, “Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!!” Although Newsom has previously hinted at presidential aspirations, no official announcements have been made by any Democrats or Republicans for the 2028 election.

Governor Newsom, who frequently engages with Trump on social media, responded with a flurry of tweets. He pointed followers to his upcoming memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery,” by saying, “It’s on page 69 of my new book. Buy it here.” His press office didn’t hold back either, posting, “WOW. THE PRESIDENT IS SUNDOWNING HARDER THAN USUAL TONIGHT!!!” When The Daily Mail reached out for further comment, a spokesperson for Newsom simply referred to his tweet. Earlier in the week, Newsom shared insights on why he might not pursue a presidential bid, despite being a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic Party nomination. During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” he revealed that his family’s skepticism plays a role in his decision-making process.

In a candid moment on CNN, Newsom discussed his family’s mixed feelings about a potential presidential run. When asked if his family supported the idea, he admitted, “It depends on the day.” He recounted a recent exchange with one of his sons, who texted him a headline suggesting he was gearing up for a presidential campaign. Newsom responded, “No, I will do this as a family.” His son replied, “You can’t,” adding, “I’m too young … You need to spend more time with us.” Reflecting on this, Newsom asked host Dana Bash, “How do you deal with that one?” and admitted, “I’m busted.” As he prepares for the release of his memoir, Newsom continues to cultivate an image of a devoted family man. He has also ventured into podcasting, featuring guests with differing political views, such as former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed last September.

Newsom has also put himself forward as a figurehead of the anti-Trump resistance, clashing with the Trump White House on politics and policy alike. The California governor was the architect of Proposition 50, which took the power to redraw the state’s map away from the bipartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission until 2030 and returned it to the state legislature, which is controlled by Democrats. The move was made to reallocate the state’s congressional seats to leave fewer in the GOP’s column, a direct attack on the Republican House Majority and Trump’s ability to govern in Washington. Newsom has also taken actions to resist the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures, limiting the degree to which California law enforcement complies with federal ICE agents, and calling them a terrorist group. During last year’s government shutdown, Newsom made $80 million in SNAP funds available to food banks in his state during a pause in federal funds, and he also sent the National Guard to help run them. However, some locations have rejected the troops’ help. The Trump Administration has noted at the time that states that choose to spend money on their food programs will not be reimbursed for their actions. On Monday, Newsom created a firestorm of controversy when he attended an event in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday to promote his book.

The California governor was asked about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia to which he responded: ‘I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just trying to impress upon you. I’m like you. I’m no better than you.’ ‘You know, I’m a 960 SAT guy… you’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read – a speech.’ Rapper Nicki Minaj, an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, responded to the clip by claiming Newsom was trying to appeal to black voters by telling ‘t hem how stupid he is & that he can’t read.’ Minaj then accused the governor of slowing down his speech by talking in a ‘sporadic cadence.’ ‘He’s not just TELLING them that they’re all probably stupid & probably can’t read, he’s LITERALLY SLOW-ING-DOWN-HIS-SPEECH to make them understand the words that are coming out of his mouth!!!! As if they’re children!!!!’ Newsom’s spokesperson responded right-wing outrage by telling the Daily Mail: ‘First MAGA mocked his dyslexia and now they’re calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores. This is fake MAGA-manufactured outrage. The Governor has said this publicly for years — including with Charlie Kirk and dozens of other audiences. The same people who excused or ignored Trump’s racist ape video can go [expletive]  themselves.’ Other conservative media personalities also piled on Newsom for sharing his difficulties reading. ‘This clip will haunt him forever,’ wrote former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.

Conservative firebrand Mark Levin claimed, ‘If any Republican said what this moron Newscum said their political careers would be over. Let’s see how the Democrats and their media react.’ Newsom is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, as the party searches for direction following defeat in 2024. Prediction markets and early Democratic voter polling show Newsom leading the field of potential contenders, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris.