Politics has never been short on drama, but what unfolded online in the past 24 hours may be one of the most bizarre and downright comical exchanges of the year. It all began when former President Donald Trump shared a morphed photo of actress Rosie O’Donnell on his social media platform, clearly intended as a jab. For years, Trump and O’Donnell have had one of the most public feuds in pop culture, trading insults that blur the line between political discourse and playground taunts. But this time, California Governor Gavin Newsom and his press office decided to enter the fray—and their response has the internet howling.
After Trump’s post began circulating, Newsom’s press team fired back with what they claimed to be a “very real photo” of Trump himself. The image, uploaded to the governor’s official press channels, showed Trump in an unflattering and almost surreal light. While the picture has yet to be verified as authentic, the caption accompanying it left little to the imagination: “Donald should get tested.” Within minutes, the internet exploded with memes, jokes, and heated debates about the line between satire, politics, and outright humiliation.
For many observers, this marks a new low—and a new high—in political trolling. Trump has long been known for his bombastic style, often ridiculing opponents with nicknames, doctored images, and public insults. His decision to target Rosie O’Donnell yet again seemed to be just another chapter in that pattern. What no one expected was Gavin Newsom’s press office fighting fire with fire, striking back in a way that was both petty and strangely effective.
Reactions have been sharply divided. Trump supporters slammed Newsom’s office for “stooping to the same level” and accused the governor of abusing his official platform for personal mockery. “This is unprofessional, childish, and beneath the dignity of a public office,” one critic fumed on X, formerly Twitter. Others, however, applauded Newsom’s team, arguing that Trump’s tactics deserve exactly this kind of ridicule. “If you want to play the meme game, don’t be surprised when someone plays it better,” another user posted, adding laughing emojis for emphasis.
The rivalry between Trump and Democratic leaders like Newsom has only intensified as the 2024 election cycle looms. Newsom, though not officially in the race, has positioned himself as one of the loudest defenders of Democratic policies, often sparring with conservative governors like Ron DeSantis and taking jabs at Trump himself. This latest incident, however, might be the first time his communications office has gone toe-to-toe with Trump in the meme arena—and by most accounts, it worked. The image went viral across platforms, picked up by late-night comedians, and plastered on headlines worldwide.
Beyond the humor, there’s a darker undertone. The “Donald should get tested” caption struck some as more than just a joke. Speculation swirled online that the photo implied Trump’s health is in question. Given his age and the scrutiny already surrounding his medical history, the suggestion raised eyebrows. Critics of Newsom argue that making veiled references to health conditions crosses a line, veering into dangerous territory. Others brush it off as fair play, pointing out that Trump himself has often mocked others’ appearances and health in public.
Rosie O’Donnell herself has not yet commented on the debacle, though her long-standing animosity toward Trump makes it easy to guess where she might land. Some fans even joked that she was probably laughing harder than anyone else. After years of enduring Trump’s insults, seeing another political heavyweight step in to defend her—albeit in such a strange way—must feel like poetic justice.
Meanwhile, Newsom’s press team has doubled down, refusing to delete the post despite backlash. When asked about the controversy, one staffer allegedly quipped, “We’re just holding up a mirror.” This attitude has only fueled further discussion about whether political discourse has degraded into little more than meme warfare. While critics lament the lack of serious dialogue, others argue that in an age dominated by social media, memes have become the new political weapon.
As for Trump, he has yet to issue a formal response to Newsom’s “very real photo.” But if history is any guide, a fiery counterattack is inevitable. Trump thrives on conflict and rarely lets insults go unanswered. The question is whether he will escalate the feud even further, dragging yet more figures into the mud-slinging match.
For now, one thing is certain: this bizarre back-and-forth has captivated the internet, giving people equal parts laughter and secondhand embarrassment. What started as yet another Trump jab at Rosie O’Donnell has spiraled into a viral spectacle involving governors, press offices, and questions about political decorum. And if this is what politics looks like in 2024, voters should probably brace themselves for a campaign season where memes, not policy, dominate the headlines.
