California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office used the Labor Day holiday to post a meme mocking White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

Gavin Newsom targets Karoline Leavitt (Image: Getty)

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office utilized the Labor Day holiday to share a meme targeting White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The post displayed a digitally modified image of Leavitt, 28, portrayed as Effie Trinket, a character from The Hunger Games series recognized for serving the authoritarian President Snow. “KAROLYIN’ LEAVITT says Happy Labor Day!” the caption declared.

In the picture, Leavitt, depicted as Trinket, clutches a sign reading, “Happy Labor Day.” Effie Trinket, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the movies, is shown as a devoted assistant to the Capitol in Suzanne Collins’ dystopian saga. The character is linked with elaborate styling and her involvement in supervising the yearly contest that forces children to battle each other to the death.

Through this parallel, Newsom’s staff seemed to characterize Leavitt as a refined spokesperson for an administration they perceive as dictatorial in nature. The press office has maintained an active social media presence in recent weeks, embracing a combative approach that echoes Donald Trump’s capitalized tirades, reports the Mirror US.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 21: California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks on during a news conference to kick off the Yes on 50 campaign at the California Democratic Party Headquarters on August 21, 2025 in Sacramento, California. In a move to counter Texas House Republicans’ plan to redraw the state’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, California Democrats took up a proposed constitutional amendment to temporarily redraw their own congressional maps, potentially creating five additional U.S. House seats for their party. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Newsom has stated the goal is to “hold a mirror to MAGA” by employing identical tactics, frequently describing himself online as “America’s favorite governor.”

Newsom’s team additionally posted a meme featuring Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter franchise, drawing parallels between White House aide Stephen Miller and the fictional antagonist. Both posts belonged to a collection of holiday memes ridiculing Trump officials.

Earlier on Monday, the press office also shared a blunt statement in all caps, “HAPPY LABOR DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT IS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY WITH A SICK WARPED RADICAL MIND.”

The harsh rhetoric attracted notice and backlash, with networks like Fox News labeling Newsom’s tactics immature.

On The Five, co-host Jessica Tarlov acknowledged the method can work in highlighting apparent double standards from the Trump administration.

In response to the Leavitt meme, supporters chimed in through the comments. One remarked, “I can’t lie, this one got me!”.

Gov Newsom tweet

“Need to say, nice meme lol,” another commented.

A third supporter posted, “Yes, absolutely spot on. If you’re courageous enough to be in public service then you need to service the public with truth and grace. When you’re a puppet you lose trust and lose influence.

“I will never be able to unsee Effie Trinket again!” a final user chuckled.

Leavitt, who came aboard the Trump campaign in 2024 before securing the press secretary position, has rapidly emerged as a key figure in the administration.

She received unexpected commendation from the president last month when he characterized her communication approach. “It’s that face. It’s that brain. It’s those lips, the way they move. They move like she’s a machine gun,” Trump remarked when questioned about her position.