California Governor Gavin Newsom has revealed that Donald Trump supporters are inundating him with merchandise emblazoned with a shared message. Long before his recent critique of the former president’s mental acuity, Newsom had established himself as the Trump administration’s chief antagonist. Among his countermeasures, he created an online “Patriot Shop” selling red “REAL PATRIOT” caps and “TRUMP IS NOT HOT” tank tops.
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Speaking at Politico’s Sacramento summit on Wednesday, Newsom said he had received a large stack of items seemingly purchased from the Trump Store. “I have two dozen Trump 2028 hats his folks keep sending me,” the governor remarked, underscoring his view that Trump could attempt a constitutionally prohibited third term. He highlighted the former president’s extravagant plans for a 90,000-square-foot state ballroom at the White House as evidence of questionable priorities.
Newsom has previously warned that Trump would not voluntarily leave the Oval Office, referencing the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots when a MAGA mob tried to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory. He cited a February White House meeting during which he pressed the administration for federal disaster aid following the Los Angeles wildfires. According to Newsom, Trump referenced Franklin D. Roosevelt—the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms—when discussing the possibility of a third term.
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Newsom’s popularity among Democratic voters has grown since his viral Trump trolling, according to a Morning Consult poll. Support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents rose from 11 per cent in June to 19 per cent in late August, while former Vice President Kamala Harris maintained the top spot at 29 per cent. The governor’s outspoken stance on Trump and his merchandise antics appear to have resonated with a segment of the electorate.
