News
September 06, 2025
Dark woke: Have Democrats finally found a way to torment Trump?
Governor of California Gavin Newsom seems to be getting under the US president’s thin skin. It’s not pretty, but it’s pretty effective.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appears to be successfully needling former President Donald Trump, and the strategy, while not always elegant, seems to be striking a nerve. Observers are noting a pattern of Newsom’s actions and statements that are specifically designed to provoke a reaction from Trump, leading some to speculate whether Democrats have discovered a potent new tactic for engaging with the former president.
Newsom's approach, which some are labeling "dark woke," involves leveraging hot-button cultural issues and directly challenging Trump's policies and pronouncements, often with a sharp, even sarcastic, tone. This isn't simply a matter of political disagreement; it's a deliberate attempt to get under Trump's skin and draw him into public squabbles.
Recent examples include Newsom’s pointed criticisms of Trump’s stance on climate change, immigration, and abortion rights, frequently highlighting what he perceives as hypocrisy or outdated thinking. He has also actively promoted California's progressive policies as a counterpoint to Trump's agenda, positioning himself and his state as a beacon of resistance.
The effectiveness of this strategy lies in Trump’s well-documented tendency to respond to perceived slights and personal attacks. By baiting Trump with carefully crafted provocations, Newsom seems to be able to control the narrative, forcing Trump to engage on Newsom's chosen terms and often diverting attention from other pressing issues.
Whether this approach is ultimately beneficial for the Democratic Party remains to be seen. Critics argue that engaging in such tactics only serves to amplify Trump's voice and further polarize the political landscape. However, proponents contend that it’s a necessary tool for holding Trump accountable and challenging his rhetoric, particularly in the lead-up to the next election.
The dynamic between Newsom and Trump is likely to continue to be a focal point of political discussion, with many watching to see if this "dark woke" strategy will become a more widespread tactic employed by Democrats seeking to challenge Trump's influence. One thing is clear: Gavin Newsom has found a way to capture Trump's attention, and the resulting friction is reshaping the political conversation.
Newsom's approach, which some are labeling "dark woke," involves leveraging hot-button cultural issues and directly challenging Trump's policies and pronouncements, often with a sharp, even sarcastic, tone. This isn't simply a matter of political disagreement; it's a deliberate attempt to get under Trump's skin and draw him into public squabbles.
Recent examples include Newsom’s pointed criticisms of Trump’s stance on climate change, immigration, and abortion rights, frequently highlighting what he perceives as hypocrisy or outdated thinking. He has also actively promoted California's progressive policies as a counterpoint to Trump's agenda, positioning himself and his state as a beacon of resistance.
The effectiveness of this strategy lies in Trump’s well-documented tendency to respond to perceived slights and personal attacks. By baiting Trump with carefully crafted provocations, Newsom seems to be able to control the narrative, forcing Trump to engage on Newsom's chosen terms and often diverting attention from other pressing issues.
Whether this approach is ultimately beneficial for the Democratic Party remains to be seen. Critics argue that engaging in such tactics only serves to amplify Trump's voice and further polarize the political landscape. However, proponents contend that it’s a necessary tool for holding Trump accountable and challenging his rhetoric, particularly in the lead-up to the next election.
The dynamic between Newsom and Trump is likely to continue to be a focal point of political discussion, with many watching to see if this "dark woke" strategy will become a more widespread tactic employed by Democrats seeking to challenge Trump's influence. One thing is clear: Gavin Newsom has found a way to capture Trump's attention, and the resulting friction is reshaping the political conversation.
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World