Newsom Claims TPUSA Influencer Is Gay -- Just One Month After He Followed Apparent Gay Hooker With Username 'F***s4Drugs'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is once again drawing scrutiny—not just from political opponents, but from observers questioning whether his recent public behavior aligns with someone seriously positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run.

In what critics describe as a pattern of self-inflicted political missteps, Newsom’s communications strategy has come under fire following a string of eyebrow-raising social media posts and public exchanges. The controversy has fueled speculation among conservatives that the California Democrat is either misreading the national political landscape—or actively undermining his own viability on the national stage.

Some commentators have even likened the situation to the satirical plot of The Producers, in which characters deliberately attempt to stage a failure for profit—only for it to backfire. While clearly speculative, the comparison underscores the perception among critics that Newsom’s recent conduct appears politically counterproductive at best.

The latest wave of backlash began after Newsom’s official social media account posted content referencing American Psycho—a film centered on a fictional serial killer, Patrick Bateman. Critics were quick to question the judgment behind invoking such imagery, especially given longstanding conservative criticisms drawing superficial comparisons between Newsom’s polished public image and the character.

But the controversy didn’t stop there.

A separate incident involving conservative commentator Benny Johnson escalated tensions further. After Johnson appeared on Fox News discussing alleged fraud concerns in California, he claimed Newsom’s office contacted him. The governor’s account responded with a remark referencing Grindr—a comment widely criticized as juvenile and inappropriate for a sitting governor.

For many observers, the exchange raised deeper questions. Newsom, a longtime figure in progressive politics from San Francisco—often associated with LGBTQ advocacy—faced criticism for deploying rhetoric that appeared inconsistent with those values. Conservatives argued the comment reflected a lack of seriousness and discipline expected of a national candidate.

WARNING: The following posts contain vulgar language that some viewers will find offensive.

Adding to the controversy, online users resurfaced reports that Newsom’s official account had previously followed a highly explicit profile that was later removed for violating platform policies. While the follow was quickly reversed, critics argue the incident further contributes to concerns about the professionalism and oversight of his communications team.

While none of these incidents alone may define a political career, taken together they have intensified skepticism among conservatives about Newsom’s readiness for a national campaign. At a time when voters are increasingly focused on economic stability, border security, and government accountability, critics argue that such distractions only reinforce doubts about Democratic leadership priorities.

As speculation around the 2028 race continues to build, Newsom’s recent controversies may serve as an early test of how his brand translates beyond California—a state whose political climate often differs sharply from the rest of the country.

For now, what’s clear is this: in an era where every post can shape perception, even a single misstep can carry national consequences. And in Newsom’s case, critics say those missteps are beginning to add up.