California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a scathing public attack on former President Donald Trump, branding his newly installed "Presidential Walk of Fame" plaques as "bull****". The verbal jab, delivered on Thursday 18 December 2025, criticises Trump's focus on legacy-building amid mounting economic pressures on American households.
The 'Walk of Fame' War of Words
The political spat ignited after Donald Trump added a series of plaques to his collection of presidential portraits at his Mar-a-Lago estate. These plaques controversially labelled political opponents, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, with titles such as "divisive political figures" and the "worst President in American History".
In a swift and mocking response, Gavin Newsom unveiled a parody version of the "Walk of Fame". His version featured unflattering images of key Trump allies, including spokesperson Karoline Leavitt and former advisor Stephen Miller. The images were sourced from a recent Vanity Fair interview, turning Trump's commemorative gesture into a subject of ridicule.
Economic Grievances Take Centre Stage
Newsom did not limit his criticism to mere political point-scoring. He directly connected Trump's preoccupation with the plaques to the rising cost of living for ordinary Americans. The Governor cited sharp increases in inflation, unemployment, and grocery prices as the real issues demanding attention.
This critique aligns with recent polling data indicating significant public dissatisfaction with the state of the economy. Many voters express deep concerns over persistently high costs for essentials, a stark contrast to Donald Trump's own repeated and optimistic characterisation of the economy as "A+++++".
Public Perception and Political Fallout
The exchange highlights a deepening political divide, not just on policy but on the very narrative of America's economic health. While Trump promotes a message of unparalleled success, opponents like Newsom are weaponising economic anxiety to challenge that narrative.
The use of such blunt language—"bull****"—from a prominent Democratic figure like Newsom signals an increasingly combative phase in the ongoing political discourse. It frames Trump's actions as an out-of-touch vanity project while positioning Democratic leaders as focused on the tangible financial struggles facing families across the nation.
As the debate continues, the clash over plaques and prices underscores the potent mix of symbolism and substance that will likely define the upcoming political battles, with economic affordability remaining a critical vulnerability for any incumbent or aspiring leader.
