UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has unleashed a scathing new nickname for former President Donald Trump, dubbing him “The Nodfather” in a mocking social media post that has gone viral. This latest jab, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on October 14, 2023, comes amid growing scrutiny of Trump’s public appearances and health.
The post featured a collage of Trump, 79, appearing to nod off during public events, with the nickname styled in a font reminiscent of the iconic film The Godfather. Newsom’s office cheekily captioned the image, “saw this. had to share,” highlighting a series of recent incidents where Trump appeared drowsy or disengaged.
Just two days prior, Newsom’s press office had already revived the nickname “Dozy Don“, referencing Trump’s own penchant for alliterative nicknames. The post featured video of Trump seemingly dozing off while Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, spoke about new lower prices for weight loss drugs. The video, shared on October 12, 2023, captured Trump’s eyes shutting several times, raising eyebrows and prompting ridicule.
Newsom’s office has been relentless in its mockery, previously branding Trump as “Dozy Don Who Looks Awful Recently,” after a series of public appearances where the former president made false claims about the 2020 election results. During a visit to the U.K. in September, Trump was seen making unfounded assertions while appearing visibly tired, drawing the ire of Newsom.
The situation has drawn significant attention as speculation surrounding Trump’s health continues to escalate. The White House disclosed in July that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in older adults. Concerns about his health were further exacerbated when he was spotted with swollen ankles during public engagements, a sign that has not gone unnoticed by critics.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the bruising on Trump’s hands to “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin,” necessary for his cardiovascular health. However, the former president’s recent choice to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the Cabinet Room rather than the Oval Office was interpreted as an effort to avoid showing his visibly swollen ankles.
This ongoing saga highlights the intersection of health issues and political narratives as the 2024 presidential race heats up. With public perception playing a crucial role in the electoral process, Trump’s health and energy levels are becoming focal points for both supporters and opponents.
As the political landscape shifts, all eyes are on Trump as he navigates this barrage of criticism. What remains to be seen is how this will impact his campaign strategy moving forward. Will Newsom’s biting humor resonate with voters, or will Trump’s resilience in the face of ridicule strengthen his base?
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
