Overview

• Trump posted on Truth Social that he will "save California," reviving his "Newscum" nickname in his first direct response to Newsom’s online barrage.
• The latest POLITICO–Citrin Center–Possibility Lab survey, conducted July 31–Aug. 11, shows Newsom leading Harris 25% to 19% among California Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents.
• Vice President JD Vance criticized Newsom’s mimicry on Fox News as inauthentic, urging Democrats to focus on policy and "be authentic."
• Newsom’s press office account reports rapid growth since early August, adding more than 250,000 followers and surpassing 225 million impressions, with a small team that his office says he leads.
• CNN analyst Harry Enten said the strategy shows signs of working, citing surging searches, follower gains and growing home-state enthusiasm for a potential 2028 run.