Trump blasts ‘incompetent’ Gavin Newsom amid governor’s trolling of POTUS in his own all-caps style

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom during a White House press conference on Friday, August 22, calling him “incompetent” and accusing him of failing to deliver on key issues in his state.

The remarks came during an event in the Oval Office where Trump appeared alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino to announce details of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.

Trump slams Gavin Newsom as ‘incompetent’ during World Cup announcement

Gianni Infantino presented the World Cup trophy as part of the ceremony, which highlighted the upcoming tournament that will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But when questions turned to the preparedness of host cities, Trump quickly pivoted to criticize Los Angeles and its political leadership.

Responding to a question from Real America’s Voice reporter Brian Glenn, who is also known for his relationship with Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Trump pointed to Los Angeles as an example of poor governance. He argued that residents impacted by disasters had been denied critical permits needed to rebuild, despite federal approvals being issued.

“Well, Los Angeles is an example,” Trump said. “It’s poorly run. We have a mayor there that can’t even get permits to the people that lost their houses. (US EPA Administrator) Lee Zeldin got every permit. The hardest permit is the federal permit. Within 20 days, every single permit was there for the people to build their houses; but people are writing us and they’re saying, ‘They won’t give us.’ The mayor is incompetent. The governor is incompetent. You know Gavin — I know Gavin very well. He’s an incompetent guy with a good line of bulls**t, and he doesn’t get the job done; and frankly, those people want to build their houses. It’s terrible. They could have been built. Some of them could have been built already.”

The sharp exchange follows a recent shift in Newsom’s online messaging strategy, where the governor and his press office have begun mocking Trump in a manner that mimics the president’s own style.

Newsom responded to the tirade by posting a clip of the president, with a Trump-style comment: "Such low energy. SAD!"

Trump's criticism of Gavin Newsom sparks online reactions

President Trump reignited his feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom, labeling him “incompetent” in a pointed exchange that quickly spread across social media.

The sharp criticism triggered a flood of online responses, with many users weighing in on Newsom’s record.

Some pointed to California’s struggles with governance. One user wrote, “Waiting for permitting in California is THE WORST.”

Another added, “Is there a reason Gavin is not focused on fixing his own state? Out of control fires, the relief fund never got to victims, homelessness project disappeared, high speed rail not built, out of control crime. I could go on and on. President Trump keeps his promises. Gavin is useless.”

Others took a swipe at Newsom’s public persona. “Gavin is a faux smooth talker and a washed up failed actor. That’s all he is,” one commenter penned.

Another chimed in, “He’s not wrong, highest unemployment, highest homelessness Governor.” One user lamented, “Truth hurts doesn’t it Governor. Resign.”

One commenter repeated Trump’s own words, writing, “I know Gavin very well, but he’s an incompetent guy with a good line of bullshit,” while tagging the presidential account, adding, “We don’t deserve him!”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online