California Gov. Gavin Newsom isn't exactly known for staying quiet when it comes to President Donald Trump, and Monday was no exception. The Democratic governor unleashed a blistering attack on Trump's newly awarded FIFA Peace Prize, calling it evidence of national decline and the latest example of performative honors that feed presidential ego over substance.

A 'Total Embarrassment' According to Newsom

Taking to X, Newsom didn't mince words: "Trump's pathetic 'peace prize' is a true sign of the deterioration of our nation and the Presidency. The groveling and the capitulation to this man and his ego is embarrassing."

He backed up the post with video from a recent interview with political commentator Jack Cocchiarella, where he expanded on his criticism. Calling the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize "a total embarrassment," Newsom warned that "We will have a country that's simply unrecognizable if people don't have the courage of their convictions to stand up."

The 'Sell Out' Accusation

Newsom's critique went beyond Trump himself, targeting FIFA and what he described as a pattern of global elites bending the knee. In the video, he said it's "humiliating" for FIFA and foreign leaders to "crown" a U.S. president, arguing that "some of the most powerful people in the world, the most well-connected and wealthy, sell out because of Donald Trump and sell our country out in return."

The governor was careful to note he's not criticizing soccer itself or the World Cup coming to California. His issue is with what he called a "state of mind" that feels obligated to flatter "our dear leader."

Satire and 2028 Whispers

The verbal fireworks follow FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting Trump with the hastily created award last Friday during a weekend packed with Kennedy Center events in Washington.

By Sunday, Newsom's press office was having fun with it, posting a satirical photoshopped image showing the governor accepting a fictional "Kennedy Center Peace Prize." The post mimicked Trump's signature all-caps social media style and joked about renaming the arts venue.

That wasn't far from reality. During the actual Kennedy Center Honors, Trump floated the idea of calling it the "Trump Kennedy Center," playing it off as a joke while Republicans explore renaming portions of the institution after him and former first lady Melania Trump.

Newsom's latest stunt fits a larger pattern of trolling Trump with memes, parody merchandise, and even a proposed "Trump Corruption Coin" memecoin. The tactics have generated serious national attention and fed growing speculation about whether Newsom has his eye on 2028.