Back in October 2023, KTLA-TV in Los Angeles reported that Newsom visited China for a photo-op-style goodwill trip. While in Beijing, the governor decided to shoot a few hoops with local students. It didn’t go well.
In the viral footage, Newsom can be seen attempting to show off his “skills” on the court. He tried some flashy dribbling moves but quickly lost control of the ball, collided with a young boy, and sent the child tumbling to the ground. Both went down in a heap — an image that couldn’t be more symbolic of Newsom’s leadership in California.
The awkward video shows Newsom putting his arm around the stunned student, patting him on the back as if nothing had happened. It was one of those moments so ridiculous it could rival Joe Biden’s many public fumbles.
Naturally, X users had a field day roasting Newsom for his hypocrisy. Conservative commentator Catturd posted,
“Gavin Newsom in one video,” mocking the governor’s failed attempt at playing tough online.
Even the Trump campaign jumped in, with White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung firing back:
That single line perfectly captured what millions of Americans were thinking — Newsom has no business lecturing anyone about optics overseas.
As the mockery piled up, Newsom tried to redirect attention back to his political ambitions. In a recent CBS News interview, he admitted he’s eyeing a potential 2028 presidential run.
“Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise,” Newsom said when asked if he was considering entering the race. “I’d just be lying. And I’m not — I can’t do that.”
Over the past few months, Newsom has been making the rounds in early primary states like South Carolina, polishing his image and sparring with conservative figures on his new podcast — a not-so-subtle move to build national exposure.
The New York Post reported that Newsom has been using social media to mimic Trump’s communication style, posting capitalized, over-the-top “clapbacks” at his Republican critics in an attempt to look tough. But critics argue it just makes him appear desperate for relevance.
Term limits prevent him from seeking a third term as California’s governor, meaning his political future depends on whether Democrats are willing to overlook his record — one marked by skyrocketing homelessness, mass exodus of residents, and rolling blackouts.
Even CBS noted that “polls regularly peg the slick-haired pol as a top contender in a Democratic primary.” But when pressed on his decision, Newsom responded vaguely,
“Fate will determine that.”
He also deflected with a bizarre self-deprecating comment about his learning difficulties, saying,
“The idea that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, that still struggles to read scripts, that was always in the back of the classroom, the idea that you would even throw that out is, in and of itself, extraordinary.”
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has hinted she might also run in 2028, telling the BBC,
“I am not done.”
In the meantime, Newsom continues trying to score political points by attacking Trump and the GOP — but every time he opens his mouth, the internet seems eager to remind him of his own blunders.
From failed “gotcha” posts to failed basketball moves, Gavin Newsom keeps proving one thing: he’s great at tripping — just not on purpose.
Gavin Newsom is a Criminal! He Stole (LOST) 24 BILLION DOLLARS! How Is He Not In Prison!? He favors Illegal Aliens Over U. S. Citizens! He Loves Criminals And Wants To Turn Them Into Victims, While The Real Victims, Us, Are Made Out To Be The Bad Guys Because We Want Criminals To Be Held Accountable For The Crimes They Commit!! And If They’re Illegal Aliens Committing Crimes Against Americans And We Want Accountability, Now We’re Racist! Pardon my language, but Fuck That! And Fuck Him! Gavin Newsom Is A Lying Scumbag! He would Sell His Own Children To Become President! After All, He’s Already Allowed Thousands Of Other People’s Children To Be Sold!! During The Biden Administration, 80,000 Unaccompanied Minors Sent Through Pomona Fairgrounds Were Handed Off To UNVERIFIED ADULTS Claiming To Be Parents! How Many Were Sold Into Sex Slavery!? How Many Were Sold For Child Labor!? Gavin Newsom Doesn’t Know And Doesn’t Care!! GAVIN NEWSOM BELONGS IN PRISON!! NOT THE WHITEHOUSE!!
Gavin Newsom is a Criminal! He Stole (LOST) 24 BILLION DOLLARS! How Is He Not In Prison!? He favors Illegal Aliens Over U. S. Citizens! He Loves Criminals And Wants To Turn Them Into Victims, While The Real Victims, Us, Are Made Out To Be The Bad Guys Because We Want Criminals To Be Held Accountable For The Crimes They Commit!! And If They’re Illegal Aliens Committing Crimes Against Americans And We Want Accountability, Now We’re Racist! Pardon my language, but Fuck That! And Fuck Him! Gavin Newsom Is A Lying Scumbag! He would Sell His Own Children To Become President! After All, He’s Already Allowed Thousands Of Other People’s Children To Be Sold!! During The Biden Administration, 80,000 Unaccompanied Minors Sent Through Pomona Fairgrounds Were Handed Off To UNVERIFIED ADULTS Claiming To Be Parents! How Many Were Sold Into Sex Slavery!? How Many Were Sold For Child Labor!? Gavin Newsom Doesn’t Know And Doesn’t Care!! GAVIN NEWSOM BELONGS IN PRISON!! NOT THE WHITEHOUSE!!