Newsom thinks he’s funny but he’s just copying Trump.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is once again targeting Vice President JD Vance, this time rolling out a mocking new nickname: “Just Dance Vance.”
Newsom’s team even posted a meme showing Vance’s face on Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn — who became infamous after scoring a humiliating zero points at the 2024 Olympic breakdancing competition.
The juvenile stunt is part of Newsom’s new online strategy, where he mimics President Donald Trump’s bold social media style. But while Trump connects with millions of Americans through humor, strength, and truth-telling, Newsom’s version comes across as petty and desperate.
Newsom’s Feud With Trump Escalates
The clash between Newsom and President Trump has only grown this year. Over the summer, Trump ordered thousands of National Guard troops and Marines into Los Angeles to restore order during violent protests against his mass deportation initiative.
Trump said the mission was necessary to protect Americans. Newsom fumed, calling it part of a “dictatorial fantasy.” Conservatives argue the move exposed how out of touch Newsom is with everyday Americans who want safety and security restored in their communities.
Targeting JD Vance
The nickname “Just Dance Vance” first surfaced when Republicans began advancing redistricting efforts in Texas and Indiana to secure more congressional seats for the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms.
When Vance traveled to Indianapolis to support those efforts, Newsom’s team blasted out an all-caps post declaring:
“NOT EVEN JD ‘JUST DANCE’ VANCE CAN SAVE TRUMP FROM THE DISASTROUS MAPS WAR HE HAS STARTED.”
This weekend, Newsom doubled down, responding to a post about Vance joining President Trump’s White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Newsom’s office replied with yet another dancing meme, trying to turn serious diplomacy into a social media joke.
White House Fires Back
The White House didn’t hold back. Press secretary Abigail Jackson told Newsweek:
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Gavin’s obsession is getting a little creepy at this point.”
Meanwhile, Newsom shrugged off criticism, claiming he’s “just following Trump’s example.”
What It Really Means
For many Americans, Newsom’s behavior is telling. Instead of focusing on California’s skyrocketing crime, homelessness crisis, rising taxes, and out-of-control cost of living, he spends his time making memes about President Trump and Vice President Vance.
As the 2026 midterms approach, Democrats like Newsom seem more focused on social media stunts than solving real problems. That could backfire, especially with voters over 50 who care about law and order, border security, and economic stability.