Gavin Newsom fires back at Joe Rogan, calling him a “son of a b****” while daring him to host him on his show — a bold move that’s ignited a political and media storm across America.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again found himself in the middle of controversy after firing off a string of unfiltered remarks about podcaster Joe Rogan, calling him a “son of a b****” while daring him to host him on The Joe Rogan Experience. The remarks came during a recent media appearance where Newsom, visibly frustrated by Rogan’s criticisms of California’s leadership and policies, said he was “punching back” at what he described as “cheap shots and misinformation.”
The comments quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reaction from both political observers and the entertainment world. For Rogan’s massive audience — which regularly tops millions of listeners per episode — the governor’s challenge was seen as a rare moment where a sitting official directly confronted one of the most powerful voices in modern media. Rogan, known for his unapologetically raw discussions, has frequently criticized California’s pandemic restrictions, homelessness crisis, and economic decline under Newsom’s administration. The governor’s outburst, however, marked the first time he addressed the podcaster by name with such fiery language.
Newsom’s decision to use profanity — calling Rogan a “son of a b****” and accusing him of “grandstanding for clicks” — shocked some of his political peers, while others defended the move as an attempt to humanize his frustrations and take control of his public image. “He’s standing up for himself,” said one Democratic strategist. “Newsom has been the target of endless online attacks, and this was his way of showing he’s not afraid to engage directly.”
Critics, however, argued that the remarks were reckless and unbecoming of a state leader. Conservative commentators on X (formerly Twitter) quickly seized on the clip, branding the governor’s words “unhinged” and “desperate.” Republican figures framed the moment as emblematic of Newsom’s ongoing struggle to control California’s image amid economic concerns and outmigration. “Instead of fixing the problems he created, he’s picking fights with podcasters,” one post read, echoing the tone of frustration shared by many Rogan fans.
Despite the criticism, Newsom’s team appears to have no regrets. According to his communications director, the governor “simply expressed what millions of Californians feel when outsiders misrepresent their home state.” The spokesperson also hinted that Newsom would “gladly appear on Rogan’s show” if invited — an offer that immediately sent speculation swirling about whether Rogan would take him up on it.
The possibility of a Newsom-Rogan interview has since dominated online discussions, with political analysts describing it as “potentially explosive.” Rogan’s platform, known for its unscripted, long-form style, has become a proving ground for figures across the political spectrum, from Elon Musk to Bernie Sanders. A Newsom appearance could mark one of the most high-profile political episodes in the podcast’s history.
While Rogan has yet to respond publicly, fans have flooded social media urging him to “take the challenge.” Some have even proposed a live debate broadcast, with comments ranging from amusement to anticipation. “This would be the most-watched podcast in history,” one user wrote. “Let’s see if Newsom can handle the heat.”
The broader implications extend beyond entertainment. Newsom’s confrontational remarks come at a time when his national profile is growing amid ongoing speculation about his future political ambitions. By calling out Rogan directly, he appears to be embracing a new media strategy — one that mirrors the combative style of figures who thrive in the modern information landscape.
For now, the governor’s bold challenge remains unanswered, but the online momentum shows no signs of slowing. Whether Rogan responds with a formal invitation or chooses to dismiss the confrontation altogether, the episode has already succeeded in elevating Newsom’s visibility — for better or worse. In a political climate increasingly shaped by social media moments, one thing is clear: Gavin Newsom’s fight with Joe Rogan has turned into one of the most unexpected political showdowns of the year.
