On November 15, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly called for prayers for President Donald Trump, stating, "He is not mentally well." This statement followed an exchange between Trump and a reporter on Air Force One, where Trump discussed the results of a recent MRI and cognitive assessment, claiming both were "outstanding" despite expressing uncertainty about the specifics of the analysis. He also asserted that he achieved a perfect score on the cognitive assessment, inviting comparisons with other politicians.

Newsom's remarks reflect a growing tension between him and Trump, with some observers interpreting his comments as a potential indication of a presidential campaign in 2028. Recently, Newsom has intensified his criticisms of Trump, particularly concerning Trump's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, especially after the House Oversight Committee released extensive email correspondence related to Epstein.

In a social media post, Newsom altered a sign at the White House to mock Trump, changing it to read, "I am a pedo," in reference to Trump's past associations. Furthermore, Newsom is currently facing legal challenges from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding Proposition 50, a measure designed to redraw California's congressional boundaries in response to Republican gerrymandering in other states. Newsom's office has criticized the DOJ's lawsuit for containing inaccuracies, including a typographical error that misidentified the California Legislature, which raises questions about the credibility of the legal action against him.