Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) fired back at Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday by posting a meme parodying the secretary’s description of the governor.
Bessent described Newsom as a cross between Patrick Bateman, the main character of American Psycho, played by Christian Bale, and “Sparkle Beach Ken,” the clueless boyfriend of Barbie, during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Bessent said Newsom “knows less about economics” than former Vice President Kamala Harris, and that he is “too economically illiterate to know anything.”
Newsom took to social media to respond.
“COMING SOON TO THE PATRIOT SHOP! YOU ARE WELCOME, AMERICA!” Newsom said on X alongside a parody photo of himself as a Ken doll.
COMING SOON TO THE PATRIOT SHOP!
YOU ARE WELCOME, AMERICA!!
https://t.co/o8Jb2casxW pic.twitter.com/7OwmIITQWs
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 21, 2026
Newsom opened his Patriot Shop in August and sells various products mocking President Donald Trump, such as hats that say “Newsom was right about everything!” and “Newsom 2026” coffee mugs. One item that has been listed as “sold out” in the shop since it opened is a $100 copy of the Bible, likely a dig at musician Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA Bible,” which Trump endorsed in March 2024.
Newsom said on Wednesday that one of his events in Davos was canceled due to pressure from the Trump administration. The event was set to take place in the USA House, recognized by the United States as its headquarters during the Davos summit.
Newsom’s office questioned on X, “How weak and pathetic do you have to be to be this scared of a fireside chat?”
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Newsom is set to release a memoir next month, shortly after he begins his final year as California’s governor. There is wide speculation that Newsom is considering a presidential run in the Democratic Party’s 2028 primary.
The Washington Examiner contacted Newsom’s office for comment.
