Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but it is unlikely to improve ties between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom. The California governor had devotedly mimicked the signature social media style of the US President in recent weeks — from texting in all caps to selling merch through a ‘Patriot Shop’. The unlikely tactic has made the Democrat a viral sensation across social media platforms and left Republicans infuriated. Newsom took the fight another step forward on Monday with the launch of an online store — selling out of autographed $100 Bibles within mere hours.
Trump trolling intensifies
THE PATRIOT SHOP IS NOW OPEN!!!! MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING THIS IS THE GREATEST MERCHANDISE EVER MADE. PLEASE ENJOY, AMERICA!” he wrote alongside a series of American flag emojis.
The post also included the link to the merch store and a collage photo of some products — all in the signature MAGA shade of red. Many of the items also made a push for his upcoming California gubernatorial election campaign: ‘Newsom 2026″.The Governor has also generated (unverified) buzz about a possible run for President in 2028 amidst his trolling blitz.
“Newsom was right about everything!” exclaimed a red hat.
“Trump is not hot” concluded a white t-shirt.
$100 autographed Bibles sold out within hours
The latest attack appears to have multiple layers — coming mere days after Trump gave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a tour of his White House ‘gift shop’ replete with MAGA merch. The Newsom-run store appears to be carrying several similar items including caps in red and white. But the first item to ‘sell out’ was a “Holy Bible” signed by “America’s Favorite Governor!” priced at a whopping $100 and rather reminiscent of a Trump product.
The US President had begun selling a ‘God Bless the USA’ Bible complete with copies of several founding documents while running for office in March 2024. The product was inspired by the eponymous Lee Greenwood anthem and sold online for $59.99. It had included Greenwood’s handwritten chorus of its titular song as well as copies of historical documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance.