MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough on Wednesday described California Governor Gavin Newsom’s social-media strategy as “quite embarrassing,” faulting the Democrat for adopting language and online theatrics reminiscent of former President Donald Trump. On the network’s Morning Joe programme, Scarborough urged Newsom to “talk about affordability” and housing rather than trying to “school Donald Trump,” adding that the former president is not on the ballot in 2026 or 2028. Scarborough’s rebuke comes as Newsom intensifies his national profile with capital-letter posts, taunts and rally language modelled on Trump’s style. The approach has polarised Democrats: a separate Hill report the same day said many party activists applaud the combative tone, with former vice-presidential communications director Jamal Simmons arguing that Newsom “is showing he’ll go as low as he needs to to take on Trump.” The contrasting reactions underscore a broader debate inside the party over whether mimicking Trump’s pugilistic messaging helps Democrats energise voters or risks alienating moderates as the 2026 mid-term cycle begins to take shape.