Dana Perino Continues Criticism of Newsom’s Social Media Tactics
UPDATE: Fox News host Dana Perino escalated her critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s social media strategy for the second consecutive day, igniting a heated exchange that has captured national attention. Earlier today, Perino reiterated her concerns during a segment on The Five, stating that Newsom is attempting to mimic former President Trump in a bid to enhance his political image.
Perino’s comments come after Newsom’s press team responded to her remarks from Monday night, where she labeled the governor “Ding Dong” for allegedly “making a fool of himself.” In a statement, Newsom defended his approach, asserting that his social media presence is a necessary “wake-up call” regarding Trump’s political messaging.
The clash intensified when Perino criticized Newsom for reading aloud his posts to podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen. She claimed, “He was reading tweets that were written for him by people he is heavily investing in to try to help him look more like Trump.” Perino, who served as press secretary under George W. Bush, further questioned the authenticity of Newsom’s tactics, saying, “I thought they hated Trump, but they are trying to be more like him and they have to pay people to do it.”
Perino emphasized that potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election should focus on authenticity rather than imitation. She cited Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, praising his genuine approach as what propelled him to prominence. In contrast, she criticized former Governor Andrew Cuomo for attempting to emulate Newsom’s style, labeling it “cringe.”
“It’s just not funny!” Perino declared, expressing her belief that voters are not fooled by inauthentic attempts to mimic controversial figures.
As this story develops, it raises critical questions about the effectiveness of social media strategies in modern politics and how they resonate with the electorate. The ongoing back-and-forth between Perino and Newsom highlights the tension between authenticity and political maneuvering in today’s digital landscape.
Next Steps: The Daily Beast has reached out to both Newsom’s press office and Fox News for further comments regarding this escalating situation. Observers are keen to see how this debate influences public perception ahead of the upcoming election cycles.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
