CNN reported: 40 minutes ago, California Governor Gavin Newsom set social media ablaze with a series of posts in all caps, openly mocking former President Donald Trump. The content of these posts not only directly targeted Trump personally but also showed strong support for California’s latest move: considering redrawing the state’s map as a form of protest against the Texas Republican Party’s controversial redistricting plan. In a prominent excerpt, Newsom wrote: “DONALD TRUMP (CRIMINAL PRESIDENT) GET READY FOR THE BEST REVENGE YOU’VE EVER SEEN…”
According to political sources, the “redraw map” idea that Newsom mentioned is more than just a symbolic move. Some California officials said the plan could include adjusting electoral boundaries, or even taking “paradoxical” measures to expose the irrationality and bias of Texas’ recently adopted redistricting strategy. This, according to many analysts, is a direct counterattack against the trend of “gerrymandering” – that is, redrawing electoral maps to give an advantage to one political party.
Newsom’s move immediately sparked a wave of fierce debate. His supporters, mostly Democrats, saw this as a bold move, demonstrating the spirit of “fighting to the end” against what they called “the manipulation of democracy”. Some comments on social media also said that this was a “smart move” because it both resonated politically and forced Republicans to face the consequences of their own strategy.
However, on the other hand, conservatives and Trump supporters have harshly criticized Newsom’s actions, calling them a “farce” and a “waste of the people’s time and money”. Some prominent figures in the Texas Republican Party have also condemned this as a “PR stunt” to polish his name, especially in the context of many speculations that Newsom may be secretly preparing for a future presidential campaign.
Newsom’s use of all capital letters when writing “DONALD TRUMP (CRIMINAL PRESIDENT)” is also considered an intentional move to “add fuel to the fire”. In the already deeply divided US political environment, this provocative expression will almost certainly further strain the relationship between California and Republican-led states.
However, some political commentators believe this is a reasonable “tit for tat” strategy. For years, Texas and other red states have passed laws and policies that are seen as directly challenging California’s values, from immigration to climate change to voting rights. By “hitting back” with the same tools his opponents use, Newsom not only sends a powerful message but also inspires unity within the Democratic Party.
Gavin Newsom’s office has not yet revealed the specifics of how the new maps will be drawn, or whether it is a legally viable plan or a symbolic move. But the way he chose to announce it—via social media, using direct and pointed language—it’s clear Newsom wants to make an immediate impact, drawing national and media attention.
Donald Trump has yet to publicly respond to Newsom’s challenge. But given his usual style, observers predict a dramatic “war of words” soon, which could last for days and further heat up the already-heated political climate in the United States. If that happens, it will be one of the most notable direct confrontations between a sitting governor and a former president this year.
