US President Donald Trump’s tarrif policy has been blasted by California Governor Gavin Newsom (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Gavin Newsom has started taking aim at Vice President JD Vance with a deliberate approach as a 2028 face-off between the pair becomes increasingly probable.
On X, Newsom criticized Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which Vance has backed. The California Governor was reacting to Vance’s assertions that immigrants were driving up housing costs. Newsom wrote: “Lumber, steel, aluminum — key materials for building homes – now cost more thanks to Trump’s tariffs.
“Higher construction costs. Slower projects. Fewer affordable housing options for working people. Great work.” Vance had been reacting to reports that certain rents are declining nationwide. The national median rent for apartments dropped by one per cent in November from October, settling at $1,367, according to Apartment List, reports the Irish Star.
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Vance commented: “The connection between illegal immigration and skyrocketing housing costs is as clear as day. We are proud to be moving in the right direction. Still so much to do.”
Newsom has emerged as a potential 2028 Democrat candidate(Image: Getty Images)
Through his online confrontations with top officials in the Trump administration, Gavin Newsom has positioned himself as a possible candidate for the Democrats heading into the 2028 presidential race.
Although Trump still has three more years remaining in his final term, politicians on both sides are already gearing up for campaigns to succeed him. Newsom has escalated his targeting of Vance even further, recently challenging the VP to a debate.
In anticipation of a possible run, Newsom has kicked off a publicity campaign – launching a podcast, making a trip to South Carolina, and persistently trolling Trump online.
While he’s confessed that he’s contemplating it, he currently claims his focus is on aiding Democrats in reclaiming the House in the 2026 midterms.
This isn’t the first time Newsom has strongly criticized Trump’s tariffs, labeling them as a “grift,” last month and calling on the Supreme Court to dismiss them.
‘Trump’s economy is a failure’
He stated: “Donald Trump’s economy is a failure and demonstrates his commitment to grift and greed more than the well-being of the American people. As he sends billions to Argentina and hosts opulent parties, our families are suffering. Trump administration associates are lining their own pockets, playing a sick game by profiting from the uncertainty and pain of American citizens.
“It is beyond illegal, and we urge the Supreme Court to stand up for the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers they are sworn to uphold.”
JD Vance(Image: Fox News)
As vice president, Vance is also leading the pack and, considering historical trends, if he decides to run, he’s likely to be the Republican candidate.
But he’s also being elusive. In an interview with Hannity earlier in November, he said: “I would say that I’ve thought about what that moment might look like after the midterm elections, sure.”
He further stated, “Whenever I think about that, I try to put it out of my head and remind myself the American people elected me to do a job, right now, and my job is to do it.”