SB. Gavin Newsom trolls Donald Trump after bizarre post and people say it’s his best clapback yet

California Governor Gavin Newsom and former U.S. President Donald Trump are no strangers to public disagreements, both in policy and in online rhetoric. Over the weekend, their rivalry once again spilled onto social media, where Newsom responded to a short, cryptic post from Trump that consisted of just a single word: “Bela.”

The interaction quickly went viral, drawing attention from political commentators, news outlets, and millions of social media users. The exchange highlights how both figures use online platforms to engage audiences, shape narratives, and energize their political bases.

Donald Trump’s Cryptic Post

On Sunday, former President Donald Trump published a one-word post on his official social media account: “Bela.” The post contained no context or explanation, and as of publication, neither Trump nor his campaign had issued a clarification regarding its meaning.

This is not the first time Trump has shared short or ambiguous posts. In 2017, while still president, he published the now-famous word “covfefe,” which went viral worldwide. At the time, the tweet remained online for several hours before being deleted, with Trump later suggesting that its meaning was only known to a “small group of people.”

As with “covfefe,” the “Bela” post prompted speculation and humor from users across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Many compared the post to Trump’s history of unconventional social media usage, which often attracted widespread media attention during his presidency.

Gavin Newsom’s Response

Governor Gavin Newsom, who has frequently sparred with Trump over issues ranging from immigration to climate policy, responded to the “Bela” post with a series of parody-style messages. His responses, published on his verified accounts, used exaggerated language and humorous phrasing to mimic Trump’s distinctive communication style.

Newsom’s most widely shared response included mock commentary about Trump’s word choice, framed in a parody format. The post gained significant traction, with thousands of shares and comments within hours.

While Newsom did not provide direct commentary on the meaning of “Bela,” his responses framed Trump’s post as part of a broader pattern of unusual online behavior. By engaging in this way, Newsom aligned with his recent digital strategy of countering Trump’s posts directly on social media rather than through traditional press statements.

Newsom’s Digital Media Strategy

Over the past year, Governor Newsom has become increasingly active on social platforms, particularly in ways that mirror and respond to Trump’s communication methods.

According to analysis from Politico and The Washington Post, Newsom’s social media approach emphasizes:

• Rapid response messaging — reacting quickly to trending political content.

• Meme-style communication — using humor, visual memes, and parody to reach younger audiences.

• Direct engagement with Trump’s posts — framing himself as one of the most prominent Democratic voices countering Trump’s narratives online.

Political analysts suggest that this approach allows Newsom to build a national profile beyond California, particularly at a time when the Democratic Party is focusing on strengthening its digital communication strategies ahead of the 2024 and 2026 election cycles.

Public Reaction

Newsom’s response to Trump’s “Bela” post quickly gained attention across media platforms. Social media users expressed a mix of amusement, criticism, and political commentary.

• Supporters of Newsom praised the posts as an effective way to push back against Trump’s online presence.

• Critics argued that such exchanges risk trivializing political discourse, reducing debates about serious issues to viral moments.

• Neutral observers noted that both Trump and Newsom benefit politically from these exchanges, as they generate significant engagement and media coverage.

Mainstream outlets including CNN, BBC, and Reuters reported on the viral moment, framing it as another example of how political leaders are increasingly using humor and digital platforms to communicate with voters.

Political Communication in the Digital Age

Experts in political communication note that these viral exchanges are part of a broader trend in American politics. Leaders increasingly rely on social media not just to share policy positions but to create moments that capture public attention in a crowded news environment.

According to the Pew Research Center, over 70% of U.S. adults now get at least some of their news from digital platforms. Viral posts, even those with minimal substantive content, often generate more visibility than traditional press releases or speeches.

This shift raises questions about the balance between entertainment and governance in political communication. While humorous posts may attract attention, critics argue that they risk overshadowing policy debates that directly impact citizens.

Historical Parallels

Trump’s “Bela” post is not unprecedented in political communication. Throughout history, leaders have used short, symbolic, or ambiguous statements to capture attention. In the modern digital era, however, the speed and scale of online sharing amplify the impact of such messages.

From Franklin D. Roosevelt’s radio “fireside chats” to John F. Kennedy’s use of television, and Barack Obama’s early adoption of social media, U.S. leaders have long adapted to new communication tools. Trump’s and Newsom’s approaches represent the latest phase of this evolution, where viral content becomes central to political identity.

Conclusion

The online exchange between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom over the one-word “Bela” post highlights the intersection of politics, social media, and public discourse in the digital age.

For Trump, the post continues his tradition of unconventional and often cryptic online communication. For Newsom, his response demonstrates a deliberate strategy of parody and direct engagement designed to build his national profile.

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, these viral moments are likely to remain a fixture of American politics. Whether viewed as entertaining, distracting, or strategically effective, they reflect a broader shift in how leaders connect with the public in the 21st century.