California Governor Gavin Newsom has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after videos surfaced showing him displaying unusual body language during discussions about the state’s ongoing wildfire crisis. The clips, shared widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), depict the governor swaying back and forth in a manner that some have described as erratic and trance-like.
Viral Videos Spark Controversy
The first video, originally posted by Defiant World, shows Newsom speaking passionately about wildfire management while his body noticeably sways side to side. In another clip shared by Oli London TV, the governor appears similarly unsteady, closing his eyes intermittently and exhibiting what many viewers have labeled as peculiar physical movements.
“What the HELL is happening to Gavin Newsom, swaying back and forth with his eyes closed like he’s in a trance?” read one comment on the post by Oli London TV. Meanwhile, another user, Kevin Dalton, quipped, “Knowing this interview was not conducted on a boat in choppy water, what would make Gavin Newsom uncontrollably sway back and forth like this?”
The videos have amassed thousands of views, sparking debates about the governor’s demeanor during critical moments of crisis. Critics argue that his body language undermines his credibility and raises questions about his fitness to lead, while supporters have dismissed the remarks as petty and irrelevant.
Reactions From MAGA Figures
Prominent MAGA-aligned commentators have seized on the videos as an opportunity to criticize Newsom, whom they have long targeted over his handling of California’s myriad challenges, including wildfires, homelessness, and economic inequality.
“This is what happens when you’re more focused on being woke than doing the work,” remarked one conservative pundit. “His body language reflects the chaos of his policies.”
Others tied the governor’s behavior to broader criticisms of California’s governance. “When your state is literally burning and your policies are failing, I guess all you can do is sway and hope no one notices,” another user wrote.
Newsom’s Track Record Under Fire
The uproar over Newsom’s body language comes as he faces increasing criticism from conservative figures over California’s wildfire management. The state has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years, exacerbated by prolonged drought and climate change. MAGA figures have accused Newsom of prioritizing progressive policies over practical solutions to mitigate fire risks.
Donald Trump has been one of the most vocal critics, calling Newsom’s environmental policies ineffective and blaming his administration for failing to properly manage California’s forests. Other right-leaning commentators have used the body language videos as an opportunity to amplify these criticisms, framing Newsom’s physical demeanor as symbolic of his governance style.
The Politics of Perception
The reaction to the videos underscores the broader political divide in the US, where even minor gestures or moments can become fodder for partisan debates. For Newsom, who is often floated as a potential presidential contender, the scrutiny carries additional weight. Critics argue that these viral moments highlight vulnerabilities that could be exploited in a national campaign, while supporters contend that they’re a testament to the intense scrutiny faced by prominent Democratic leaders.
