Vice President JD Vance criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday over his relentless trolling of President Donald Trump.

Newsom’s press office has been mocking Trump by mimicking the president’s social media posts for weeks, often tweeting posts in all-caps and giving his political rivals new nicknames. The MAGA base and conservatives have complained about Newsom’s new social media strategy, with many arguing that he is not being authentic.

Vance joined the chorus of critics in an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham on Wednesday. He delivered advice to Newsom, telling the governor to not be a “crazy person.”

“Stop sounding like crazy people,” Vance said. “This idea that Gavin Newsom is somehow going to mimic Donald Trump’s style—I think that ignores the fundamental genius of President Trump’s political success which is that he is authentic.”

“I don’t think it’s that complicated. Don’t be a crazy person. Be authentic,” Vance added.

Trump loyalists have faced further mockery for complaining about Newsom’s posts. Newsom responded to Vance’s criticism in a post on social media platform X.

“He almost got it,” Newsom wrote.

Trump responded to Newsom early on Thursday morning for the first time since he started mocking the president on X. Trump claimed that Newsom is “down in the poll,” while recent surveys show otherwise.

“Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! President DJT” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Newsom had quickly responded on his personal X account: “Triggered?”

California Democrats prefer Newsom to former Vice President Kamala Harris in a hypothetical 2028 presidential primary race, POLITICO and its partners revealed on Wednesday. The poll found that 75% of registered Democratic voters said they are “excited” about a possible campaign from Newsom, while 67% said the same about Harris.

A separate analysis from CNN data guru Harry Enten found that Newsom’s new social media strategy is “absolutely” working, citing an increase in social media followers and Google searches. He said on “Laura Coates Live” that Newsom’s press office account on X has increased its following by 450% since mid-June.

“That account, get this, up 450% in terms of the number of followers since mid-June. And it’s not just on Twitter, X, where Newsom is gaining. Even on TikTok and Instagram. His followers are up over a million since January alone. My goodness gracious,” he said.

He said that daily Google searches for Newsom are up 1,300% since June 1 and up 500% since Aug. 1. Newsom’s new social media strategy comes as he eyes a potential run for president in the 2028 election.

“So, the bottom line is in politics, especially if you’re thinking of entering in 2028, it’s all about generating attention. And so far, Gavin Newsom has done a good job at generating attention,” Enten said.

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