Full Breakdown
The Origin of Trump's "Newscum" Nickname for Gavin Newsom
3/2/2026, 11:25:54 PM
Unusual Phone Call Sparks Controversy
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently disclosed the peculiar origin of the nickname "Newscum," a term popularized by former President Donald Trump. During an appearance on “The Rest Is Politics” podcast, Newsom recounted a late-night phone call from Trump that took place in 2025. The call, which occurred around 1:30 a.m. ET, was initiated by Trump, who sought Newsom's opinion on the nickname he had devised.
Newsom described the exchange, stating, “What do you think of Newscum? The nickname Newscum. He calls me Newscum, worst governor. And he goes, pretty original, right?” Newsom responded with humor, recalling, “I said, no, it’s not original. I said, Mr. President, in eighth grade…they were calling me Newscum.” This interaction highlights the informal and often personal nature of political rivalries in contemporary American politics.
Trump's Nickname Strategy
The nickname "Newscum" is a play on Newsom's surname, reflecting Trump's penchant for creating derogatory monikers for his political opponents. Other notable examples include "Sleepy Joe" for President Joe Biden and "Crooked Hillary" for Hillary Clinton. Trump's use of such nicknames has become a hallmark of his political style, often aimed at undermining the credibility of his rivals.
Criticism of Trump's Tactics
Critics have pointed out that Trump's nickname strategy can be seen as a form of political bullying. Newsom's recounting of the call illustrates how such tactics can permeate political discourse, with opponents often reduced to caricatures rather than engaged in substantive debate. The use of derogatory nicknames may detract from serious discussions about governance and policy.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the nickname, Newsom has maintained a light-hearted attitude, emphasizing that he is not offended by Trump's jabs. He remarked on the absurdity of the situation, suggesting that the nickname is not particularly creative. Trump's continued use of "Newscum" indicates his intent to frame Newsom negatively in the public eye, a strategy he has employed with various political figures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Newsom's account of the phone call is consistent across multiple sources, the broader implications of Trump's nickname usage remain a topic of debate. Some analysts argue that such tactics can galvanize political bases, while others contend they contribute to a toxic political environment. The effectiveness of these nicknames in shaping public perception of political figures is still under scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What do you think of Newscum? The nickname Newscum. He calls me Newscum, worst governor. And he goes, pretty original, right?” — Gavin Newsom, California Governor
- “I said, no, it’s not original. I said, Mr. President, in eighth grade…they were calling me Newscum.” — Gavin Newsom, California Governor
The exchange between Trump and Newsom exemplifies the evolving nature of political communication, where personal jabs and nicknames can overshadow policy discussions. As political rivalries continue to intensify, the impact of such tactics on public discourse remains to be seen.
