JD Vance Criticizes Gavin Newsom’s Mimicking of Trump and Highlights Crime Reduction in DC

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for trying to imitate former President Donald Trump’s style, calling such efforts inauthentic. Vance pointed to recent data indicating that federal efforts to combat crime in Washington, DC, are proving effective.

Vance commented on Newsom’s approach—an apparent attempt to adopt Trump’s distinctive social media language and nicknaming tactics—during an interview on The Ingraham Angle. He emphasized that Trump’s authentic personality contributed significantly to his political success, stating, “He just is who he is. People respond to honesty and directness.”

He argued that simply mimicking Trump’s style won’t ensure electoral success without effective policies that serve the American people. “If Democrats focused on authenticity rather than spectacle, they might improve their chances,” he suggested.

Vance added that progress in reducing crime demonstrates that lawlessness is more a matter of political will than inevitable urban decline. “Living with chaos is a choice,” he said, “if you have the will to enforce the law, cities like DC can be safe again.”

He criticized the ongoing Democratic opposition to federal law enforcement actions, citing their protests against the deployment of federal troops to control crime in DC following President Trump’s declaration of a state of emergency on August 11.

“People shouldn’t have to accept violence or high murder rates as normal,” Vance concluded. “Taking control and enforcing laws can make urban centers safe places for everyone.”