California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is a walking punchline, perhaps should have thought carefully before posting his latest “gotcha” on social media.
Newsom went on X to complain about President Donald Trump “literally dancing in Asia while 40 million people lose access to food.”
This was a reference to the upcoming loss of SNAP benefits because of the continuing government shutdown, which Democrats have voted against reopening 12 times now.
Happily, Newsom’s absurd comment allowed X users to remind the governor of his own ignominious moment in East Asia.
KTLA-TV in Los Angeles reported that Newsom went to China in October 2023. The governor played basketball with several young Chinese students in Beijing when he was there.
Instead of being nice to the boys, who looked like they were in elementary school, Newsom tried some fancy dribbling but lost control of the ball and ran into one of the kids, who tumbled to the ground with the governor.
When he sat up, Newsom put his arm around the boy and playfully slapped him on the back.
Newsom’s mistake is as funny as anything former President Joe Biden ever did.
So, as you could anticipate, X users jumped on what the governor said regarding Trump and Asia.
“Gavin Newsom in one video,” Catturd wrote.
“Let’s talk about YOUR Asia trip,” White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung wrote.
WATCH:
Newsom confirmed that he is considering a run for president in 2028 but stopped short of declaring his candidacy.
While acknowledging his interest in a potential campaign, Newsom said he has not yet made a final decision on whether to enter the race.
“Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise,” Newsom told “CBS News Sunday Morning” after he was asked whether he was considering a run for what would be the Democratic nomination. “I’d just be lying. And I’m not — I can’t do that.”
In recent months, Newsom has visited several key early primary states, including South Carolina, and launched a podcast where he has sharpened his debate skills through exchanges with conservative guests, the New York Post reported.
He has also used his social media accounts to engage directly with Republican critics, often posting exaggerated or satirical responses that mimic former President Donald Trump’s distinctive, capitalization-heavy writing style.
Newsom, who is barred by term limits from seeking a third term as California governor, will leave office at the end of his current term, which expires next year.
“Polls regularly peg the slick-haired pol as a top contender in a Democratic primary,” The Post noted.
When asked by CBS if he’ll run, Newsom responded: “Fate will determine that.”
The California governor was previously the subject of speculation about a possible 2024 presidential run but ultimately threw his full support behind former President Joe Biden.
“I have no idea,” Newsom added whether he’ll run, The Post said, before making a reference to his dyslexia. “The idea that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, that still struggles to read scripts, that was always in the back of the classroom, the idea that you would even throw that out is, in and of itself, extraordinary.”
“Who the hell knows? I’m looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that’s the question for the American people,” he added.
One possible rival, former Vice President Kamala Harris — who previously declined to run to succeed Newsom as California governor — recently hinted that she is considering a 2028 presidential bid, telling the BBC, “I am not done.”
Newsom, meanwhile, has focused on aggressively challenging former President Donald Trump and other Republicans, aiming to tap into progressive frustration that Democrats have not pushed back strongly enough against GOP attacks.