Newsom’s political action committee, Campaign for Democracy, says the shop pulled in more than $100,000 in its first day online.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom is taking his campaign in a new direction, launching a merchandise website that parodies President Donald Trump. The “Patriot Shop” features items like a “NEWSOM 2026” mug, a “Trump Is Not Hot” tank top, and a red baseball cap reading “NEWSOM WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING.”
Supporters say the campaign move is both funny and energizing.
“I thought it was hilarious honestly,” said Emilie Kalenian, a left-leaning voter.
“Newsom’s sticking up for the Democrats and we love that,” said Adrienne Machado, a Democratic voter.
Newsom’s political action committee, Campaign for Democracy, says the shop pulled in more than $100,000 in its first day online.
“If Trump keeps handing us material, we’ll keep punching back with it. The merch is flying, Dems are fired up, and we’re just getting started,” Hannah Milgrom, campaign spokesperson, told ABC10.
But analysts question whether trolling Trump is a winning strategy.
“I’m excited. I think people around the country are excited,” said Democratic strategist Ed Emerson. “The strategy always is find the base, energize them, give them something to do, repeat, repeat, repeat. And I think that’s what Gavin’s doing right now, and I think it’s a winning strategy,” Emerson added.
“This is a fight worth picking with Donald Trump, and if trolling this five-year-old President of the United States with simple things like calling him names and calling him stupid, Gavin is getting it done right now,” Emerson said.
Republicans, meanwhile, remain critical.
“The Democratic Party once again is in the midst of an identity crisis,” said Craig DeLuz, director of communications for the California Republican Assembly. “He is going to have a very difficult time trying to play both sides of the fence.”
DeLuz went on to add, “The reality is much of the excitement that Republicans have for President Trump is directly tied to the failed policies of the Democratic Party and how they have literally taken the 20% side of every 80/20 issue. Gavin Newsom has been a leader in that the past decade.”
For some voters, reactions are mixed. A couple visiting from Orange County, with one spouse identifying as a moderate and the other as Republican, disagreed on the shop.
“No, I don’t like it. That’s already for Trump. Let Newsom find his own things to advertise or whatever campaign,” said Republican Elicon Bonode.
Newsom’s merchandise is turning heads and stirring debate across the state.