Newsom slams Fox News after host suggests replacing Christmas tree farms with AI infrastructure

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom took aim at Fox News over what he framed as the network’s latest “war on Christmas,” after a segment suggested Christmas tree farms could be converted for artificial intelligence–related infrastructure. Newsom’s criticism adds to his ongoing clash with conservative media.

On Sunday, December 14, Newsom reposted a Fox Business segment on his press office’s X account.

“Why is Fox News starting a war on Christmas?” Newsom captioned the post, flipping a line the network has long used to portray the “left” as anti-Christmas.

Fox Business ‘fake tree’ remark sparks backlash

On Friday, December 12, Fox Business host Dagen McDowell argued on 'The Big Money Show' that land used for Christmas tree farms would be better utilized for artificial intelligence infrastructure.

“You know what? Buy a fake tree,” McDowell said after a report highlighted a Christmas tree farm in Maryland that is fighting a proposed energy project. The project would run transmission lines through the farm to power AI data centers in Virginia.

“It’s a tree farm! Not growing food,” McDowell said of Mount Airy’s Gaver Farm.

“The alternative would be some liberals would put some giant solar panels on that land, and you’re not going to be growing any Christmas trees either.”

According to McDowell, the power lines are needed for the “growth and development of business,” as well as for “grid stability” and lower energy costs.

“There will be transmission lines that have to go through developments and farms. That’s the very nature of a growing economy. Like, everybody needs to get on board,” she said, before adding, “You know what? Buy a fake tree.”

The remarks drew groans from co-host Brian Brenberg, who responded, “A dagger right in my heart.” McDowell replied, “What? I have a fake tree! I know I can’t afford the tree.”

Fox contributor Liz Peek also expressed concern about the Christmas tree farm. “I’m doubly suspicious that this is part of the narrative hitting back against AI, hitting back against the construction of data centers, which is probably the best economic power we have right now,” she said. 

AI data centers fuel energy and policy debate

AI data centers have become a contentious issue, with their high energy consumption contributing to rising electricity costs for households across the country.

Amid these concerns, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, December 11, limiting states’ authority over AI regulations.