Liberal comedian Michael Ian Black sharply criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday for adopting a social media style he said mimics former President Donald Trump and reduces elected officials to caricatures.
Newsom has stepped up a media blitz in recent weeks, posting content that many observers described as adopting Trump-like phrasing and tactics while promoting items such as a so-called "Trump Corruption Coin" for his online store. Some analysts have taken the offensive as a sign that Newsom may be positioning for a 2028 presidential bid.
Speaking on his CNN show "Have I Got News For You US," Black said he disliked the approach, arguing the behavior was a distraction from governance. "I hate this. I know I’m in the minority on this. I hate that he’s doing this. Because I hate that we’re reducing our politicians to cartoon characters," Black said. "I don’t give a sh-- how well you control online. Do your f---ing job. That’s what I care about."
Black contrasted Newsom’s online posture with that of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, whom he praised for relaying similar critiques in a manner he described as "mature, intelligent, rational, reasonable." The comments drew responses from others on the panel.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, defended Newsom on the same program, saying the social-media tactics were intentional and designed to spotlight what she described as Trump’s behavior. "So yes, I think it is necessary because we are putting a good old mirror up in your face to make you understand that y’all been supporting a real ignorant fool this whole time," Crockett said.
Co-host Amber Ruffin responded to Black’s critique by framing the approach as an effort to widen appeal beyond reliably Democratic voters. "Those people already vote Democrat," Ruffin said. "We don’t need their votes. We need the idiot votes. Let’s get stupid. Let’s do stupid memes. Let’s have cartoons."
Comedian Dave Foley, known for his work on the sketch show "Kids in the Hall," injected humor into the exchange, quipping that Black’s preference for a more restrained public style was "adorable." Commentator Bill Maher has also publicly praised Newsom’s online jabs at Trump as effective and "very funny," supporters said.
Newsom’s recent online posts have included satirical imagery and merch references framed to lampoon Trump and his allies. The campaign-like tone of the posts has prompted debate within Democratic circles over whether such tactics help mobilize voters or undermine the party’s credibility.
Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Political operatives and observers remain divided on whether the online strategy is a calculated effort to broaden Newsom’s national profile ahead of potential future runs for higher office or primarily a means of drawing attention to specific policy criticisms.
The exchange underscores a broader conversation in U.S. politics about the role of social media and political messaging. Some Democrats and political communicators view energetic, meme-driven tactics as a tool to reach undecided or infrequently participating voters. Others, including Black, warn that reducing political debate to performative social media moments can erode trust and distract from governance.
As the debate continues, Newsom’s social-media activity has kept him in the national spotlight, prompting both praise and criticism from figures across the political and cultural spectrum. Whether the approach will translate into sustained political advantage or prompt a reevaluation among party leaders remains an open question going into the next presidential cycle.