California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) isn't mincing words about the future of the political movement built around President Donald Trump. His take? It's a one-man show, and when the star leaves the stage, the audience goes home.
In a post on X Tuesday, Newsom called Trump an "invasive species" and argued that Trumpism is nothing more than a "cult of personality."
"I don't see Trumpism lasting past Trump — period, full stop," Newsom wrote. He then took a direct shot at Vice President JD Vance, adding, "With all due respect, @JDVance, you don't have it."
Newsom's jab suggests that without Trump's unique charisma, the movement lacks a successor who can keep the flame alive.
This isn't the first time Democrats have questioned the durability of Trumpism. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently escalated his criticism of Vance and Trump, arguing that their economic policies have driven up costs, widened inequality, and reduced access to healthcare. Buttigieg accused Republicans of resorting to "name-calling" instead of addressing real-world outcomes.
Meanwhile, President Trump himself pushed back on comments from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who reportedly described the U.S. as a "declining nation." Trump said Xi was referring to the Biden administration, not his own leadership, and declared the U.S. is now "the hottest nation anywhere in the world."
Senator Bernie Sanders also weighed in, pointing to recent Democratic victories — including Zohran Mamdani's mayoral win — as evidence that voters are rejecting Trumpism. Sanders argued the results reflect broad dissatisfaction with Trump's movement and its healthcare agenda.
The debate over whether Trumpism can outlive Trump is heating up as the 2026 midterms approach. Newsom's blunt assessment adds fuel to the fire, but the ultimate test will come at the ballot box.
