California Governor Gavin Newsom's official press office is facing significant backlash following a social media exchange on March 25, 2026, where it used a prominent LGBT dating application in a jab against a conservative commentator. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics alleging hypocrisy and the use of offensive, stereotype-driven rhetoric, particularly given the governor's public record of supporting LGBT rights.
The controversy ignited when the Governor Newsom Press Office's official X account responded to a post by commentator Benny Johnson. Johnson had been actively highlighting allegations of widespread fraud within California, a topic that has garnered increasing national attention. In a now widely scrutinized reply, the governor’s press team wrote, "We got a call from Grindr after this and said your team was their biggest users. Congrats!" The tweet, which quickly went viral, immediately sparked a torrent of criticism from across the political spectrum, with many users and public figures deeming the remark inappropriate and reliant on harmful stereotypes.
This particular exchange is not an isolated incident. The Governor Newsom Press Office has previously referenced the app in similar social media interactions. Past remarks attributed to the office include phrases such as, "We’ll make sure Grindr servers are ready…" and "bro, we get it but he’s not interested… stick to Grindr." The repeated deployment of the app's name as a punchline has intensified criticism, with many arguing that such messaging crosses a line, especially from an office representing a governor who has consistently championed LGBT rights and inclusion.
Prominent voices have joined the chorus of disapproval. Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department, expressed her dismay on X, stating, "It’s so odd to see the former mayor of the most gay-friendly city in America, San Francisco, use homosexuality as a slur. Weird!" An unnamed LGBT advocate also weighed in, commenting, "I don’t know why a lot of dems over the past 48 hours are leaning into 90s anti-gay s**t." These sentiments were echoed by numerous social media users who labeled the comments openly homophobic and out of step with contemporary standards of political discourse.
Despite the escalating backlash, Newsom's office appeared to double down on its stance when responding to inquiries from Fox News. A spokesperson for the office reportedly told the outlet, "We love gay people and it’s very woke of you to ask about this! We’re sorry some conservative snowflakes had their feelings hurt. We hope they recover!" This statement further exacerbated the controversy, with opponents arguing that it not only failed to address the core concerns about the language used but also dismissed valid criticism as mere political sensitivity.
Benny Johnson, the initial target of the press office's remark, directly challenged the governor, accusing him of attempting to divert attention from more substantive issues facing the state. Johnson wrote, "Your reaction to journalists exposing fraud in your state is to smear us with lies — never to fix the fraud." He further added, "Americans hate fraud, Gavin. We’re tired of being ripped off. Stop attacking the people who are doing YOUR job and trying to end fraud. People are over it." Johnson has previously claimed to have received "over 1,000 tips" related to fraud, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations he is publicizing.
The social media clash unfolds against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over allegations of widespread hospice fraud in California. House Republicans have initiated an investigation into this issue, which has drawn considerable national attention and placed state leadership under a magnifying glass. The controversy has thus interwoven the debate over political communication with substantive policy concerns.
Beyond the immediate incident, the episode has reignited broader discussions regarding Governor Newsom's political ambitions and his evolving communication strategy. Widely considered a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race, the governor has increasingly utilized social media platforms to elevate his national profile, often engaging critics directly. However, recent posts, including the one in question and another earlier instance where remarks about his SAT score to a Black audience in Atlanta were described as racially insensitive, have drawn increasing criticism. Some observers suggest that the tone adopted by his press office, and by extension, his campaign, may alienate crucial voter demographics.
The contrast between the governor's established advocacy for LGBT rights and the language employed by his press office has been a focal point for both supporters and critics. The situation highlights the growing scrutiny public officials face in their use of social media, particularly in an environment of heightened political tension and constant digital engagement. As the debate continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between assertive political communication and maintaining a respectful, inclusive public discourse.
