California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently adopted a distinctive social media approach, mimicking the all-caps, assertive posting style popularized by former President Donald Trump on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). This strategic shift aims to draw attention to the nature of political discourse online and has ignited considerable discussion, with actor Jeremy London observing a notable "FOX paradox" in its reception. Newsom's office has employed this tactic amidst an escalating political rivalry, particularly concerning congressional redistricting efforts.
Governor Newsom has publicly stated that his use of Trump's signature style is an intentional "wake-up call." He explained that if critics find his posts "unbecoming," they should apply the same scrutiny to the former President's long-standing use of such aggressive online communication. The strategy is designed to highlight the normalization of Trump's social media behavior, especially within the context of the ongoing battle over redrawing electoral maps.
The move has garnered mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters commend Newsom for "fighting fire with fire" and effectively trolling his opponent, viewing it as a necessary and authentic response in a contentious political climate. Conversely, critics have labeled the approach as "petty," "unprofessional," and a "race-to-the-bottom" that detracts from serious policy discussions, suggesting it is unbecoming of a state governor.
Actor Jeremy London, known for his roles in Party of Five and Mallrats, weighed in on the phenomenon via a tweet, stating, > "Yes, Newsom’s all-caps posts are getting annoying. That’s the precise point. He’s proving how childish and exhausting Trump’s posts are. But, more than anything, it’s stifling Dumpy’s own reputation for all-caps posting. Another FOX paradox. Hilarity to ensue…" London's observation points to a deeper irony in the political landscape.
The "FOX paradox" highlighted by London suggests a perceived double standard in how similar social media tactics are interpreted based on the political figure employing them. While Trump's all-caps pronouncements are often normalized or even celebrated by his base and certain media outlets, Newsom's adoption of the same style is frequently met with criticism and outrage from those very same quarters, underscoring a partisan divide in media and public perception.