Nicki Minaj Says It’s ‘Impossible’ For Gavin Newsom to Become President in 2028: ‘He Thinks He’s Tom Cruise’

Over the weekend, rapper Nicki Minaj launched a pointed social media critique targeting California Governor Gavin Newsom. The artist, a 12-time Grammy nominee known for hits like "Super Bass," took issue with a clip from his recent appearance on *The Ezra Klein Show*. In it, Newsom asserted, "I want to see trans kids… There’s no governor that’s done more pro-trans legislation than I have." Minaj challenged the remark's framing on X, writing, "Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids. Haha. Not even a trans ADULT would run on that." She contrasted this with a broader goal, stating, "Normal adults wake up & think they want to see HEALTHY, SAFE, HAPPY kids. Not Gav."

Her criticism persisted across Friday and Saturday, often accompanied by images of the horror character Chucky. In one post, she dismissed the governor's political identity as superficial, commenting, "Gavin is the cute boy who got everything handed to him b/c of how cute & sexy & hot & smoking he was." She extended the Hollywood-themed mockery by adding, "He thinks he’s Tom Cruise only difference is, his next mission IS impossible." This episode highlights the intense, early scrutiny faced by potential presidential contenders. Newsom, who has not declared for the 2028 race but is widely considered a Democratic frontrunner, is particularly susceptible to such commentary given his high national profile as a progressive leader.

Governor Newsom, who previously served as Mayor of San Francisco and Lieutenant Governor before assuming the state's top office in 2019, has cultivated an image as a champion of liberal policies. When pressed about future White House ambitions during a *CBS Sunday Morning* interview, he remained non-committal. "I have no idea," he said, reflecting on his unconventional path. "The idea that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, that still struggles to read scripts... the idea that you would even throw that out is, in and of itself, extraordinary." He ultimately placed the decision in the hands of voters, noting, "Who the hell knows? I’m looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment."

Minaj, however, offered unequivocal advice regarding his political future. In a post early Friday, she suggested he abandon any campaign plans, writing, "Get on the nearest jet ski & let that beautiful hair blow in the wind. It will make you happier than this race that you will not win. Enjoy life. Peace." This direct engagement from a cultural influencer underscores a shift in modern political discourse, where narratives are increasingly shaped outside traditional media channels. As communications analyst Dr. Lena Shaw observes, "Platforms like X enable celebrities to directly frame political issues for millions of followers, often highlighting a perceived vulnerability with a single post that can dominate the news cycle." The rapid repurposing of a politician's past statement in this manner demonstrates how the tone for a potential campaign is often set long before any official announcement.