Gov. Gavin Newsom chuckled during a podcast preview in which host Suzanne Lambert savaged MAGA figures, jokingly dubbing a mocked episode a "Keystone Kash" takedown. Lambert referenced viral reports that Kash Patel sought an FBI-style jacket while traveling, and Newsom argued that humor can undercut authoritarian posturing. The pair also mocked Gov. Kristi Noem’s staged photo ops and image-making, which have drawn satire and criticism. The clip underscores Newsom’s broader strategy of using ridicule in political messaging.
Newsom Amused as Podcaster Delivers Brutal 'Keystone Kash' Takedown of MAGA Figures
California Governor Gavin Newsom has developed a reputation for trolling the Trump administration on social media. / Mauro Pimentel/AFP via Getty Images
California Gov. Gavin Newsom laughed and appeared bemused during a podcast snippet in which host Suzanne Lambert delivered a blistering critique of MAGA-aligned figures, including Kash Patel and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. The exchange, recorded at the Democratic Governors Association’s annual holiday meeting, was previewed on Instagram ahead of the full episode.
Humor as a Political Tool
Lambert urged Hollywood to use its influence to sideline personalities she described as attention-seeking. "I wish that you would just do everyone a favor, given that Hollywood is in California—all these people want is to be famous and get press, that’s all they give a s--t about," she said. In a quip aimed at Patel, she added:
"Just give Kash Patel a jacket that says ‘Donald Trump’s special boy’ in a youth large, because that’s apparently what he was looking for."
The report from active duty and former agents said FBI Director Kash Patel refused to get off the plane without an FBI raid jacket after the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah in September and ended up wearing one from a female that had patches on it from other agents. / Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
Lambert was referencing viral reports and social-media accounts that claimed Patel sought an FBI-style raid jacket and patches while traveling through Utah. Newsom laughed at the "youth large" line but also emphasized the political point behind the jest.
"It’s funny, but it’s also so damn serious, right? You have to laugh at it, we have to bring a sense of humor to our fight as well. I think it’s important,"
Newsom added that ridiculing authoritarian posturing can strip it of its perceived power:
"What dictators want is this perception that they’re dominant... our reaction to them sort of creates that power. But when you can turn a mirror on them and laugh at them, they can’t take that."
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been labelled ICE Barbie as she often joins U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on raids while dressed in a flak jacket. / U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Targeting Noem's Photo Ops
The conversation also focused on Gov. Kristi Noem, who has frequently drawn attention for carefully staged photo opportunities and attention-grabbing outfits. Lambert mocked some of those moments — including a quip about hair extensions — and the two noted that such image-making has made Noem a target for satire and criticism from both late-night shows and some conservatives.
Context And Reaction
The clip fits a broader pattern of Newsom publicly mocking President Trump and other prominent MAGA figures via social media and public remarks. The segment also referenced commentary from Mary Trump, who has suggested the president is closely watching Newsom’s barbs and reacting angrily.
Note on accuracy: This piece corrects earlier misidentifications in circulating accounts—Kristi Noem is the Governor of South Dakota, not a Homeland Security official; and references to viral claims about Kash Patel reflect social-media reports about a jacket incident rather than confirmed, official statements.
