In a move blending pop culture with politics, California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a surprising Instagram Story this week featuring a photo of himself with former President Donald Trump—and soundtracked it with Taylor Swift’s pointed anthem “You Need to Calm Down.”
But what truly sparked conversation was the lyric Newsom chose to highlight:
“Say it in the street, that’s a knockout. But you say it in a tweet, that’s a cop-out. And I’m just like, hey, are you okay?”
The post landed during a tense moment in California, as ICE raids resume across major cities in the state, prompting fears among immigrant communities and sharp criticism from advocacy groups.
A Political Message Wrapped in a Pop Song
The Instagram Story—brief but bold—featured a throwback image of Newsom and Trump together at a public event. Rather than a caption, the governor let Swift’s lyrics speak for themselves.
Many political watchers saw the post as a not-so-subtle jab at Trump, who is known for using Twitter (now X) to launch aggressive political commentary, especially during his presidency.
Newsom’s choice of lyric, which contrasts speaking boldly “in the street” versus online posturing, is being interpreted as a critique of performative politics and federal aggression—particularly in the context of immigration enforcement.
ICE Raids Renew Immigration Tensions in California
The post comes at a time when ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations have ramped up in several California cities, including Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Jose. Community leaders have raised alarms over alleged detainments and family separations—echoing traumatic headlines from past years.
Governor Newsom has publicly opposed these actions, calling them “cruel,” “counterproductive,” and “deeply damaging to trust between immigrant communities and local government.”
While he has not directly commented on the Instagram Story, the timing—and tone—leave little doubt about the message.
