Overview

• In a Fox News appearance with Will Cain, Vice President JD Vance labeled California Gov. Gavin Newsom a “fake carbon copy” of President Trump and a “cheap imitation.”
• Vance said the political lesson from Trump is authenticity, urging Newsom to “be yourself” rather than try to mimic “the king” or “the master.”
• Newsom has said he is “sort of following” the president’s example on social media as a wake-up call, tying the approach to California’s Nov. 4 redistricting ballot push.
• Posts from the governor’s press office have mirrored Trump’s style with all caps, taunts, and nicknames, with some messages signed off with the governor’s initials.
• Coverage pointed to Morning Consult data showing Newsom’s support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents rose 8 points from June to late August.