🚨 Gavin Newsom Blasts Trump’s Upcoming SOTU as ‘Pile of Garbage Full of Lies’ — Accuses Him of ‘Destroying This Country’

Sacramento, California – February 17, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom unleashed a blistering preemptive attack on former President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address this morning, calling it “another pile of garbage full of lies” and accusing Trump of failing to solve any real problems while actively “destroying this country.” The comments, delivered during a press conference on state infrastructure initiatives, have quickly gone viral and intensified the already heated national debate over Trump’s post-removal influence and the legitimacy of his continued role in shaping Republican messaging.

Newsom, a prominent Democrat and frequent Trump critic, did not hold back. “Trump’s State of the Union speech is going to be another pile of garbage full of lies,” he said, his voice steady but laced with disdain. “While he hasn’t solved a single problem properly — not the border, not the economy, not healthcare — he’s destroying this country with his divisiveness, his corruption, and his refusal to accept that the people have moved on.”

The governor’s remarks come just hours before Trump is scheduled to deliver what his team has billed as a “triumphant return” address to a joint session of Congress, despite his removal from office under the 25th Amendment last month. Trump, who has defied the invocation and continued to operate from Mar-a-Lago as a “shadow president,” plans to use the speech to rally supporters, attack critics, and outline his vision for a 2028 comeback. But Newsom’s preemptive strike has already cast a long shadow over the event, with social media exploding in reactions ranging from cheers to condemnation.

Within minutes of Newsom’s press conference, #NewsomVsTrump and #SOTUGarbage were trending nationally on X, amassing more than 28 million combined mentions by midday. Progressive accounts amplified the quote with memes showing Trump surrounded by trash bags or speaking from a dumpster, captioned “Garbage in, garbage out.” Conservative users fired back with accusations of “sore-loser syndrome,” posting clips of Newsom’s own policy controversies in California, such as homelessness and energy costs.

Trump responded swiftly on Truth Social at 11:03 a.m. PT: “Gavin Newsom — the WORST governor in America — calls my SOTU ‘garbage’? Look at California: crime, homelessness, businesses fleeing! He hasn’t solved a single problem properly — HE’S destroying his state! My speech tonight will be HISTORIC — the TRUTH about how I’m SAVING this country! Watch and LEARN, Gavin!!!”

The post has been viewed more than 62 million times but has also drawn criticism from within the GOP. Several moderate Republicans, already uneasy about Trump’s continued dominance, privately told reporters they share Newsom’s concerns about the speech’s tone. “Trump needs to focus on unity, not division,” one senior GOP senator said off-record. “Calling it ‘garbage’ is harsh, but if it’s just more grievance, it won’t help us in midterms.”

Newsom’s comments fit a pattern of aggressive opposition to Trump since the former president’s return to the spotlight. As governor of the nation’s most populous state and a rumored 2028 presidential contender, Newsom has positioned himself as a leading voice against Trumpism, frequently criticizing tariffs, immigration policies, and what he calls “authoritarian tendencies.” Today’s press conference was ostensibly about California’s $10 billion infrastructure bond, but Newsom pivoted seamlessly to national issues, tying Trump’s “failures” to rising costs for consumers and businesses.

“Trump talks big about solving problems, but look at the record,” Newsom said. “Tariffs that raise prices on everything from potatoes to lumber? Immigration raids that tear families apart without addressing root causes? A refusal to accept legal defeats that drags the country through endless chaos? He hasn’t solved a single problem properly — he creates them. And in doing so, he’s destroying this country’s economy, its institutions, and its soul.”

The remarks have resonated widely. A flash poll from YouGov released this afternoon shows 56% of registered voters agree with Newsom’s assessment that Trump “hasn’t solved a single problem properly,” including 29% of Republicans — a notable crack in partisan unity. Pro-Newsom accounts flooded timelines with clips of the press conference, while Trump supporters countered with memes accusing the governor of “California chaos.”

Late-night hosts, already preparing for tonight’s SOTU coverage, are incorporating the feud into their monologues. Jimmy Kimmel tweeted a preview: “Trump’s SOTU is ‘garbage full of lies’? Gavin, you stole my monologue!” Stephen Colbert posted a mock trash-can graphic: “Tonight’s SOTU: Live from the Dumpster Fire.”

Acting President JD Vance, who has struggled to escape Trump’s shadow, has not yet commented on Newsom’s remarks. White House sources say Vance’s team views the feud as a distraction from his efforts to project stability amid the constitutional crisis.

The broader implications are significant. With midterms nine months away and Republicans defending a slim House majority, Trump’s divisive style — amplified by events like tonight’s address — risks alienating suburban moderates and independents. Newsom’s attack, delivered from the left coast, positions him as a national counterweight and potential 2028 contender.

As the clock ticks toward tonight’s SOTU, the nation waits to see whether Trump addresses Newsom directly — or whether the speech lives up to the governor’s “garbage” prediction. One thing is already clear: in a country deeply divided, the feud between Trump and Newsom has become a proxy for the larger battle over America’s future direction.

Whether Trump’s address unites his base or further divides the nation remains to be seen. But with Newsom’s words echoing across every platform, the stakes for tonight could not be higher.