California Governor Gavin Newsom has been waging a bold social media war against conservative media and politicians, using hard data and cheeky rhetoric to challenge narratives about crime rates in blue versus red states.

In a series of provocative tweets, Newsom’s press office has been systematically dismantling right-wing talking points by comparing murder rates across different states and cities. Using FBI and CDC data, he’s highlighted how states often criticized by Fox News actually have significantly higher crime rates than major California metropolitan areas.

For instance, Newsom pointed out that Louisiana’s murder rate is nearly three times higher than Los Angeles’, and Arkansas’ murder rate is more than double California’s. He specifically called out politicians like Speaker Mike Johnson and Governor Sara Huckabee Sanders, challenging Fox News to report these statistical realities.

Beyond tweet warfare, Newsom has launched a tongue-in-cheek “Patriot Shop” featuring merchandise that parodies MAGA branding. Items include red caps reading “NEWSOM WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING!” and tank tops declaring “TRUMP IS NOT HOT”. His “MAKE AMERICA GAVIN AGAIN” flag further trolls the former president’s signature slogan.

The statistical comparisons are striking: San Francisco, with 827,000 residents, recorded only 35 murders in 2024, while Memphis, with 610,000 residents, saw 287 murders in the same period. Similarly, Oakland’s murder rate of 18.62 per 100,000 people pales in comparison to St. Louis’ staggering 54.09 per 100,000.

Newsom’s social media strategy appears designed to challenge conservative narratives about crime, urban safety, and political messaging, using data-driven arguments and a distinctly millennial approach of weaponized humor.

As he tweeted dramatically, “SOON MAGA WILL HAVE A WHOLE NEW MEANING!” - a bold declaration that seems both playful and pointed.