Trump Declares Newsom Exits Presidential Race Following First Lady's Olympic Snub Taunt
Former President Donald Trump asserted on Monday that California Governor Gavin Newsom had abandoned the presidential race, a claim ignited by the governor's wife mocking Trump over a snub from the US Olympic women's hockey team. The political skirmish erupted after Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California's first partner, took to social media platform X to criticise Trump following the gold medal-winning team's decision to decline a White House invitation.
Social Media Sparks Feud Over Olympic Team's White House Refusal
Siebel Newsom posted on Tuesday: 'Clearly they prefer arenas where women are actually respected! As they should.' This comment referenced the team's refusal, which came after Trump jokingly told the US men's hockey team he would face impeachment if he didn't also invite the women's team. Trump swiftly retaliated on his Truth Social platform, writing: 'Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!!'
While Newsom has openly acknowledged presidential ambitions, no Democrat or Republican candidate has formally committed to the 2028 election campaign. The governor, known for mimicking Trump's combative social media style, responded with multiple tweets addressing the insult. He included a promotional link to his forthcoming memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery,' stating: 'It’s on page 69 of my new book. Buy it here.'
Press Office Escalates Rhetoric as Newsom Reveals Family Hesitations
Newsom's press office, typically more scathing toward Trump, intensified the exchange by posting: 'WOW. THE PRESIDENT IS SUNDOWNING HARDER THAN USUAL TONIGHT!!!' When contacted by media outlets, a Newsom spokesperson directed inquiries to the governor's tweet. Earlier in the week, Newsom disclosed potential reasons for not pursuing a presidential bid despite consistently ranking as a top Democratic contender for 2028.
During an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Newsom revealed his family's scepticism about a rumoured presidential run. Asked whether his family supports a campaign, Newsom admitted: 'It depends on the day.' He shared an anecdote about his son texting him a headline suggesting presidential preparations and questioning its validity. Newsom recalled responding: 'No, I will do this as a family,' to which his son reportedly replied: 'You can't,' adding: 'I'm too young ... You need to spend more time with us.'
Newsom Cultivates Family Man Image Amid Political Positioning
The governor is carefully crafting an image as the quintessential American family man, husband, and father to four children. His CNN appearance preceded his memoir's release, complementing a podcast launched last year that features guests with opposing political views, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Newsom has positioned himself as a leading figure in the anti-Trump resistance, clashing with the Trump administration on various policies. He orchestrated Proposition 50, which transferred redistricting authority from the bipartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission to the Democrat-controlled state legislature until 2030, aiming to reduce GOP congressional representation.
The governor has also resisted federal immigration enforcement measures, limiting California law enforcement cooperation with ICE agents, whom he labelled a terrorist group. During last year's government shutdown, Newsom allocated $80 million in SNAP funds to state food banks and deployed the National Guard, though some locations declined assistance. The Trump administration noted states spending on food programs wouldn't receive reimbursement.
Controversy Erupts Over Newsom's Dyslexia Comments
On Monday, Newsom sparked controversy during a book promotion event in Atlanta, Georgia, where he discussed his lifelong struggle with dyslexia. He stated: 'I'm not trying to impress you. I'm just trying to impress upon you. I'm like you. I'm no better than you.' He added: 'You know, I'm a 960 SAT guy...you've never seen me read a speech because I cannot read - a speech.'
Rapper Nicki Minaj, a vocal Trump supporter, criticised the clip, alleging Newsom was attempting to appeal to black voters by 'telling them how stupid he is & that he can’t read.' Minaj accused him of slowing his speech with a 'sporadic cadence' as if addressing children. Newsom's spokesperson dismissed the criticism as 'fake MAGA-manufactured outrage,' noting: 'First MAGA mocked his dyslexia and now they’re calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores.'
Conservative Media Piles On as Newsom Leads 2028 Speculation
Conservative commentators amplified the backlash, with former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly writing: 'This clip will haunt him forever.' Firebrand Mark Levin claimed: 'If any Republican said what this moron Newscum said their political careers would be over. Let’s see how the Democrats and their media react.' Despite the controversy, Newsom remains a frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, leading prediction markets and early voter polls alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris as the party seeks direction post-2024 defeat.
