California Governor Gavin Newsom shared the strange origin story behind the infamous “Newscum” nickname, a moniker coined by President Donald Trump.
In a late-night phone call, Newsom claims the president called him to test out the nickname, which he later adopted in his public tirades against.
In a candid interview on “The Rest Is Politics” podcast, Newsom recounted the unusual exchange, which took place late one night in 2025.
Donald Trump speaking at a podium with US flags and the presidential seal. MediaPunch / BACKGRID
Newsom said he chuckled and replied, “I said, no, it’s not original. I said, Mr. President, in eighth grade…they were calling me Newscum.” Getty Images
The nickname quickly became a recurring jab from Trump. AP
“Trump called me late at night, about 1.30am, almost two in the morning, his time.” Newsom said. Initially reluctant to answer, he eventually returned the call after checking the voicemail, which turned out to be from Trump.
“What do you think of Newscum? The nickname Newscum. He calls me Newscum, worst governor. And he goes, pretty original, right?”
Newsom said he chuckled and replied, “I said, no, it’s not original. I said, Mr. President, in eighth grade…they were calling me Newscum.”
The nickname, a crude fusion of Newsom’s last name with a derogatory twist, quickly became a recurring jab from Trump, who has often criticized Newsom for his policies and leadership.
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