President Donald Trump declared Monday night that California Gov. Gavin Newsom had exited the presidential race, prompting a sharp response from the governor’s team and intensifying an already public back-and-forth between the two political figures, as reported by The New York Post.

The exchange began when President Trump posted on Truth Social: “Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!!”

Newsom’s press team responded on X shortly afterward, writing: “WOW. THE PRESIDENT IS SUNDOWNING HARDER THAN USUAL TONIGHT!!!”

The social media clash followed an online dispute involving Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and the president over the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: Mayhem Erupts as Gunfire Injures at Least 10 During Lake Party in Oklahoma [WATCH]

President Trump had joked that he would be impeached if he failed to invite both the men’s and women’s gold medal-winning teams to the White House.

In response, Siebel Newsom criticized the president after the women’s team declined to visit.

She wrote: “Clearly they prefer arenas where women are actually respected! As they should.”

The exchange added to speculation surrounding Newsom’s political future. Although he has not officially launched a presidential campaign, rumors have circulated as the governor travels the country promoting his new memoir.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

Following ongoing debates over border security and immigration policy in 2026, do you support stricter enforcement measures?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from Objectivist.co, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Earlier in the week, Newsom addressed the possibility of a White House bid during an interview with CNN. When asked what could stand in his way, he replied: “There are five of them.”

He continued: “It will be done as a family, and it’ll be done as a unit. It will be done as a partnership.”

Pressed further on whether his family wants him to run, Newsom acknowledged uncertainty. “It depends on the day,” he admitted.

Image Credit: Ringo Chiu - Shutterstock.com
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill AB1228 in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. California’s fast food workers will have a minimum wage of $20 per hour next year under a new law.
Close

MORE NEWS: Mob Chaos Erupts at Brooklyn Hospital as Anti-ICE Activists Clash With NYPD in Violent Stand-Off [WATCH]

The governor also described a recent exchange with one of his sons. He said his son texted him a headline suggesting he was preparing to launch a presidential campaign and asked whether it was true.

“I said, ‘No, I will do this as a family,’” Newsom asserted.

His son responded:

“You can’t, I’m too young, you need to spend more time with us.”

Reflecting on the moment during the CNN interview, Newsom asked host Dana Bash: “How do you deal with that one?” He added: “I’m busted.”

Newsom has steadily expanded his national presence in recent months, frequently engaging President Trump on social media and appearing at international events.

His growing profile has fueled continued speculation about higher political ambitions, even as he stops short of formally entering the race.

President Trump’s Truth Social post declaring that Newsom had dropped out of the race came without additional explanation. As of now, Newsom has neither announced a presidential campaign nor confirmed any plans to run.

MORE NEWS: Rudy Giuliani Hospitalized in Critical But Stable Condition as Allies Rally Around Him [WATCH]

The online exchange between the president and the California governor’s team marks the latest chapter in an ongoing rivalry that has played out across digital platforms and public appearances.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.