Fox News Hosts Cringe-Inducing Newsom-Trump Reenactment That Has Viewers Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons

Fox News’ Failed Attempt to Mock Gavin Newsom Backfires

Fox News made a bold attempt to mock California Governor Gavin Newsom on live television, but the effort backfired in a big way. During an episode of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” host Charles Hurt and guest Joe Piscopo tried to take jabs at a series of satirical tweets from Newsom’s press office that were written in the style of former President Donald Trump. However, their attempt to ridicule the governor ended up highlighting the very communication style they were trying to mock.

The segment, which aired on August 17, was titled “Newsom’s Online Frenzy.” The screen behind them displayed one of Newsom’s comical posts on X (formerly Twitter), which was written in all caps and featured a rambling tone reminiscent of Trump’s speeches. Hurt delivered a dramatic reading of the post, mimicking Trump’s mannerisms, while Piscopo laughed and waved off the governor with a dismissive gesture.

This move unintentionally brought attention to Newsom’s troll campaign, introducing it to a broader audience of Fox News viewers. Social media users quickly weighed in, pointing out the irony of the situation. One commenter on Threads wrote: “They tried to mock Newsom, ended up picking the worst possible post for that, and mocking Trump even more. This is so perfect.”

Another user noted: “How much longer until they get the joke?” Meanwhile, media strategist Vince D. Monroy said: “Fox News continues to give Gov. Gavin Newsom free publicity. Host Charlie Hurt even read Gov. Newsom’s Press Office’s post in the style of Donald Trump lol.”

Republican Georgia state Rep. John L. Corbett added: “Every time they mock Newsom, they’re implicitly mocking Trump’s ridiculous communication style.” Another user quipped: “The gift that keeps on giving.”

A Series of Satirical Tweets Targeting Trump

This particular tweet was part of a broader campaign by Newsom’s press office to lampoon Trump during a nationwide redistricting battle. Newsom is pushing to redraw California’s congressional map in favor of Democrats, a move that could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress.

If successful, this effort could lead to Republicans losing more than half of their seats in the state. According to Newsom, this would help counteract a new map being pushed in Texas that aims to flip five Democratic House seats to Republican control. Similar efforts are reportedly being considered in other GOP-led states, including Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, and Florida.

The specific tweet that Hurt reenacted on the show read: “‘THE MAPS’ WILL END YOUR PRESIDENCY, RETAKE CONGRESS FOR THE PEOPLE, AND EXPOSE YOUR RIGGED ‘LITTLE GAME.’ MY ‘PERFECT MAPS’ ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN ANYTHING IN TRUMP TOWER (WHICH MANY SAY SMELLS WEIRD).”

However, Hurt omitted the most scathing part of the tweet, which referenced the infamous “tiny hands” meme associated with Trump. It also poked fun at his connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his well-known love for KFC.

The full version of the tweet included lines such as: “TRUMP JUST FLED THE PODIUM WITH PUTIN — NO QUESTIONS, NOTHING! TOTAL LOW ENERGY. THE MAN LOOKED LIKE HE’D JUST EATEN 3 BUCKETS OF KFC WITH VLAD. IS HE AFRAID THE PRESS WILL ASK ABOUT ME??? (AMERICA’S FAVORITE GOVERNOR) AND THE FACT I ‘STOLE THE CAMERAS’ THIS WEEK WITH ‘THE MAPS’? MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING HE BEGGED PUTIN TO HOLD HIS HANDS (TINY) ON THE WAY OUT. ADMIT IT, DONNIE J… YOU’RE TERRIFIED BECAUSE THIS WAS THE WORST WEEK OF YOUR LIFE BECAUSE OF ME, GAVIN C. NEWSOM.”

Blaming Newsom for Wildfires

Piscopo, known for his role on “Saturday Night Live,” concluded the segment by blaming Newsom for the wildfires that devastated two communities in Southern California in January. However, he avoided mentioning Altadena, a neighborhood that was particularly hard-hit.

“I talk to people there, Malibu: nothing. … He’s making himself more irrelevant. Especially now with Donald Trump just really showing up and bringing this Golden Age of America,” Piscopo said.

Implications for Redistricting and the Future

If Newsom succeeds in redrawing the maps, Democrats could regain control of the House in 2026, potentially complicating Trump’s plans during the final two years of his term. Newsom has announced plans for a special election on November 4, allowing voters in California to decide on the matter.

The segment sparked a wave of reactions online, with many viewers pointing out the absurdity of Fox News’ approach. One comment read: “Idiots Don’t Even Get What’s Going On.” The reenactment of Newsom’s trolling of Trump became a source of amusement for many, but not for the reasons the network intended.