LDN. Gavin Newsom Slammed on X After Calling Government Shutdown ‘Pathetic’ — Users Fire Back With 2007 Affair Scandal.LDN

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing fresh online backlash after calling the recent end of the federal government shutdown “pathetic.” While the Democratic governor likely intended to criticize congressional gridlock, his comments quickly backfired — sparking a wave of reminders about his own personal scandal from 2007.

The situation unfolded late Sunday when Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter) reacting to the latest deal to reopen the government after a brief funding lapse. His post, though brief, was blunt:

“This is pathetic. The American people deserve better than this political theater.”

But within minutes, thousands of users seized on the comment — not to discuss policy, but to bring up the governor’s past. Many resurfaced details of Newsom’s admitted affair in 2007 with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, the wife of his then–campaign manager Alex Tourk, during his first term as mayor of San Francisco.

Old Scandal, New Spotlight

The affair made national headlines at the time, not only because of the betrayal of a close aide but because it shattered the image of a rising Democratic star whose personal life had often been under scrutiny. Newsom publicly apologized at a press conference, saying, “I want to make it clear that everything you’ve heard and read is true, and I am deeply sorry about it.”

The scandal, while politically damaging then, faded over time as Newsom rebuilt his career and rose to statewide prominence — first as lieutenant governor, then as governor, and now as one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable figures.

However, as Sunday’s online uproar showed, the internet rarely forgets. Under Newsom’s “pathetic” post, users quickly flooded the replies with comments like:

“Pathetic? Like cheating with your campaign manager’s wife?”

“Maybe sit this one out, Governor.”

“We all make mistakes, but you might want to avoid moral lectures.”

Some users even shared screenshots of old headlines from 2007, while others tagged news outlets asking why the affair wasn’t being discussed more often.

A Familiar Pattern of Online Backlash

This isn’t the first time Newsom has faced personal criticism online. Known for his outspoken posts about national issues — from abortion rights and gun control to immigration and homelessness — the California governor has become a lightning rod for both supporters and detractors. His critics often accuse him of hypocrisy or grandstanding, while his fans praise his confidence and willingness to challenge federal leadership.

But this latest episode struck a more personal chord. Many users saw irony in Newsom using moral language to describe Washington dysfunction, given his own past indiscretions. Others defended him, pointing out that his affair was nearly two decades ago and that he took public responsibility at the time.

“People change,” one user wrote. “Newsom admitted his mistakes and moved forward. Maybe we should all do the same.”

Still, the replies were overwhelmingly critical — turning what was likely meant to be a quick political jab into a trending topic about his private life.

Newsom’s Office Has Not Responded

As of Monday morning, Newsom’s office had not issued any public comment on the backlash or clarified his remarks about the shutdown deal. The governor’s social media accounts remained active but did not address the growing wave of posts referencing the 2007 scandal.

Analysts suggest that while this flare-up may not have lasting political consequences, it serves as a reminder of how quickly online discourse can turn personal — especially for figures with long public histories.

“This is the downside of being both a national voice and a polarizing personality,” said one media strategist. “When you throw punches online, people will throw them back — and sometimes, they’ll hit where it hurts most.”

A Larger Conversation About Accountability

The episode also reignited broader debates about public accountability and double standards in politics. Critics argued that politicians across party lines often project moral authority despite having personal controversies in their past. Supporters countered that demanding lifelong punishment for past mistakes discourages honesty and growth.

Either way, the incident underscores how personal history can resurface at any moment in the digital age — especially when high-profile figures wade into heated political conversations.

For Gavin Newsom, who has been floated as a potential future presidential contender or Cabinet member, the renewed attention on his 2007 scandal may be an unwelcome distraction as he seeks to maintain his national profile.

Yet for millions of social media users, the takeaway seemed simpler: if you’re going to call Washington “pathetic,” be prepared for the internet to call you out too.