California Governor compared Leavitt to a certain film character as he mocked her announcement of the White House’s plans to build a new ballroom.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has established himself as an opposing force to President Trump(Image: AP)

Governor Gavin Newsom Gavin Newsom had some sharp words for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt after she announced President Trump’s controversial plans to spend $200 million on building a new ballroom at The White House.

Poking fun at Leavitt, Newsom’s official press office X account posted a photoshopped image of Effie Trinket, a character from The Hunger Games known for privilege and entitlement.

The image depicts Trinket as Leavitt, holding up pictures of the ballroom renderings inside the White House press room.

Using the language of The Hunger Games films, Newsom wrote, “While all the Districts pay extra for groceries and everyday goods, the White House is excited to announce that the Capitol is creating a grand ballroom for opulent parties!

He finished with, “May the odds be ever in your favor!!!” The post has received 63.4 thousand likes on X and has been viewed by over 2.2 million people.

One person responded scathingly, “Unfair comparison. Effie had a soul. KKKaroline is just Botox and lies in a skin suit pretending to be sentient.”

However, many replies came from Trump supporters, who were quick to defend Leavitt and point out that the ballroom was apparently being paid for out of Trump’s pocket.

“It’s not being paid for by taxpayers – but you knew that,” said one user.

Another added, “Trump and donors are footing the bill, not taxpayers. You seem to have *purposely* left that out.”

So far, all evidence suggests Trump is indeed funding the ballroom himself, along with other donors.

A White House statement said, “President Trump, and other patriot donors, have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure. The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications.”

Gavin Newsom continued criticizing the White House, posting, “They’re more interested in defending their ballroom than the 17 million they kicked off health care.”

He then responded directly to the White House announcement of the ballroom project: “Oh thank god – this is what the American people were desperately pleading with you to do!”

There was no reply from Leavitt or Trump, who unveiled renderings for the 90,000-square-foot State Ballroom on Thursday.

“The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, but it does not have a space that can accommodate major functions without installing large and unsightly tents 100 yards from the main building entrance,” Leavitt said as she announced the plans at the White House.

Construction is set to start in September, and it’s expected to be completed “well before the end of President Trump’s term,” according to Leavitt.