California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office has ignited a political firestorm by using a photograph of Donald Trump with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to mock the former President.
The Social Media Provocation
The incident began when the White House posted a social media message describing Donald and Melania Trump as “America's power couple.” In a sharp retort, Newsom's team responded by sharing a 1992 image of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein.
This provocative post quickly garnered significantly more online engagement than the original White House message. The trolling did not stop there. The “Trump War Room” account further juxtaposed official photos of Trump speaking at a podium and working at a McDonald's with an unflattering image of him at the fast-food chain, placed next to a picture of the Trumps with Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Denials and Legal Repercussions
In response to the allegations implied by the photographs, Donald Trump has consistently denied any involvement or wrongdoing concerning Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy has also drawn in the First Lady.
Melania Trump's legal team has aggressively pursued legal action against those who have alleged connections between her and Epstein. This includes lawsuits against journalists such as Michael Wolff and a Democratic strategist.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The move by Governor Newsom's office, which took place on Tuesday 18 November 2025, represents a significant escalation in political rhetoric. It demonstrates how historical associations can be weaponised in modern political discourse.
The episode has sparked widespread discussion about the boundaries of political campaigning and the use of social media to attack opponents. The substantial difference in engagement between the two posts also highlights the public's intense interest in the long-running Epstein saga and its connections to powerful figures.
