Story perspectives

Newsom's Bateman Comparison Sparks Backlash and Mockery

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a split-screen image on X showing himself beside actor Christian Bale, likening himself to Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.
Critics, including right-wing influencers, labeled the comparison inappropriate and mocked him with terms like "weirdo" and "Un-American Psycho."
Some users compared Newsom's social media style to that of U.S. President Donald Trump, noting stylistic similarities.
Newsom later deleted the post, but the backlash sparked ongoing commentary.

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Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a split-screen image on X showing himself beside actor Christian Bale, likening himself to Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.
Critics, including right-wing influencers, labeled the comparison inappropriate and mocked him with terms like "weirdo" and "Un-American Psycho."
Some users compared Newsom's social media style to that of U.S. President Donald Trump, noting stylistic similarities.
Newsom later deleted the post, but the backlash sparked ongoing commentary.