Full Breakdown
Gavin Newsom's Patrick Bateman Comparison Sparks Backlash
3/24/2026, 10:07:02 PM
Controversial Social Media Post
California Governor Gavin Newsom faced significant backlash after comparing himself to Patrick Bateman, the fictional character from the 2000 film "American Psycho." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Newsom shared a split-screen image of himself alongside actor Christian Bale, who portrayed Bateman. This comparison quickly drew ridicule from various social media users and commentators.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The reaction to Newsom's post was overwhelmingly negative. Critics highlighted the inappropriateness of likening oneself to a character known for his violent and psychopathic tendencies. Right-wing YouTube influencer Nick Shirley remarked, “Not sure if your comms guy read who Patrick Bateman is… but I don’t think comparing yourself to Patrick Bateman is the flex you think it is.” Other users echoed similar sentiments, with one stating, “Yeah… you’re a psycho. Unfortunately California is your victim.” The Monterey County Republican Party humorously noted, “Who posts stuff like this about themselves? Bro, this is X, not Tinder,” further emphasizing the absurdity of the comparison.
Context of the Comparison
Newsom's initial post, which was later deleted, first drew a parallel to Bale before shifting focus to Bateman. This change in wording did not mitigate the backlash, as many users continued to mock the governor for his lack of self-awareness. Some commentators suggested that Newsom's social media strategy mirrored that of former President Donald Trump, who is known for his provocative online presence. One user commented, “I’m going to go with @GavinNewsom on this one simply because he’s trolling @realDonaldTrump and it’s funny!” referencing a previous post by Trump where he compared himself to Elvis Presley.
Implications for Newsom's Image
The incident raises questions about Newsom's public image and communication strategy. Critics argue that such comparisons may undermine his credibility as a leader, particularly in a state grappling with numerous challenges. The backlash reflects broader concerns about the appropriateness of political figures engaging in self-referential humor that could be perceived as tone-deaf.
Official Statements & Responses
As of now, there has been no formal response from Newsom's office regarding the criticism. The governor's team has not addressed the implications of the comparison or the subsequent public reaction.
What's Next?
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Newsom's political standing and public perception, especially as he navigates the complexities of governance in California. The governor may need to recalibrate his communication approach to mitigate any potential damage to his reputation.
