California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, took a jab at President Donald Trump on Labor Day, just as Trump and the White House highlighted their support for American workers.
Why It Matters
In recent weeks, Newsom has increasingly targeted Trump, with his press office sharing social media posts that mimic and mock the president’s style. On Labor Day, Newsom’s office continued this approach while Trump and the White House posted more traditional messages celebrating workers.
What to Know
Trump shared a Labor Day post on Truth Social Monday afternoon, showing himself greeting a group of workers wearing white hard hats. The post read: “Celebrating 250 years of the American worker. Happy Labor Day.”
Newsom stepped up his response with a bold, all-caps statement aimed at Trump’s policies. The governor’s press office tweeted on X:
“HAPPY LABOR DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT IS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY WITH A SICK WARPED RADICAL MIND, KILLING SMALL BUSINESSES WITH CRAZY TARIFFS, TAKING HEALTH CARE FROM CHILDREN, PARDONING J6 THUGS, SENDING THE ‘PRIVATE ARMY’ TO ARREST GRANDMA, WRECKING OUR BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT, DEFUNDING OUR SCHOOLS, AND DESTABILIZING LONG-STANDING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. HOPEFULLY THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, AND OTHER GOOD AND COMPASSIONATE JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE LAND, WILL SAVE US FROM THE DECISIONS OF THE MONSTERS WHO WANT OUR COUNTRY TO GO TO HELL. BUT FEAR NOT, WE HAVE MADE GREAT PROGRESS IN RECENT WEEKS, AND AMERICA WILL SOON BE SAFE AND GREAT AGAIN! AGAIN, HAPPY LABOR DAY, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
In a statement emailed to Newsweek, the White House called Trump a “champion” of working-class Americans:
“From surging native-born employment and rising blue-collar wages to innovative workforce initiatives like expanded apprenticeships and trade school funding, the Trump Administration is reversing decades of neglect and finally putting American Workers first.”
Republicans have increasingly positioned themselves as the party of the working class, a shift from previous years when Democrats claimed that role through their support of labor unions.
Newsom’s office also shared stats about California’s support for workers later in the day:
“A new report shows that California is a national leader for workers, with strong policies on wages, worker protections & labor rights – making our communities, businesses, & families stronger.”
Newsom v. Trump
Newsom, seen as a potential Democratic presidential contender for 2028, has made himself a prominent critic of Trump and his agenda. In recent weeks, his press office has used social media for all-caps warnings, pop culture jokes, and AI-edited memes to mock Trump while highlighting Democratic policies.
The approach has drawn praise from liberals, though many conservatives have criticized it.
What People Are Saying
- Former President Barack Obama said: “Labor Day is a chance to celebrate America’s workers, and the labor unions who have fought so hard for them. But at a time when AI is threatening to disrupt or even eliminate entire categories of jobs, it’s also important to think about how we can embrace new technology without losing the purpose and dignity that comes with work.”
- Vice President JD Vance tweeted: “President Trump and Vice President Vance are fighting every day to bring back American manufacturing and make America a better place for all working families. Happy Labor Day to the workers who make America great!”
- Former President Joe Biden wrote: “Today we celebrate American workers – the heart and soul of our nation. Unions built the middle class. And the middle class built this country. Happy Labor Day, America.”
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted: “This Labor Day, America works for Americans again. 100% of all new job gains have gone to U.S. citizens, and 2.5 million Americans are back at work since January. Under Biden, 88% of all jobs went to foreign-born workers. Meanwhile DHS reforms have saved taxpayers over $13.2 billion. President Trump and I are putting the American worker FIRST. Happy Labor Day!”
What Happens Next
Both Democrats and Republicans will continue trying to win support from working-class voters, each claiming to be the best choice for American workers.
