Viral Photos Spark Wave of Memes

The controversy began after several viral photos appeared online showing Trump, 79, appearing to doze off during various public events. The images quickly gained traction across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, with users turning them into memes and questioning the president’s energy level and overall health.

Health Questions Resurface

The wave of memes comes amid ongoing speculation about Trump’s health. Earlier this year, photos circulated showing the president with swollen ankles and a bruised hand. The White House later addressed these concerns, attributing the changes to chronic venous insufficiency — a condition that causes poor blood flow — and the side effects of his regular aspirin regimen. Officials insisted the condition was “benign and well-managed.”

Newsom’s Office Shares the Mockery

Governor Newsom added fuel to the fire on Saturday when his press office’s official X account posted a parody movie poster titled “The Nodfather.” The image reimagined Trump as the central figure from The Godfather, but instead of a mafia boss, he was shown nodding off in various public moments.

“Saw This. Had to Share.”

Newsom’s team captioned the post simply: “Saw this. Had to share.” The brief statement implied amusement rather than direct criticism, yet the timing and tone made it clear that the post was intended to mock the president. The parody immediately drew widespread attention, racking up thousands of shares and sparking new rounds of commentary.

Six Photos Capture Trump ‘Nodding Off’

The poster featured six separate images of Trump appearing to close his eyes or drift off during speeches and meetings. Each image corresponded to moments from recent public events, creating a collage that painted an unflattering picture of the president’s alertness.

Internet Reacts With Laughter and Debate

Social media users quickly flooded the comments with laughter, jokes, and further edits of the meme. Some users applauded Newsom’s humor, saying it highlighted concerns about Trump’s stamina, while others accused the governor of being “disrespectful” and “unpresidential.”

Trump Supporters Push Back

Supporters of the president dismissed the viral images as misleading, claiming that the photos captured Trump blinking or resting his eyes momentarily. “They’re grasping at straws,” one conservative influencer wrote on X. “President Trump has more energy than anyone in politics.”

White House Defends the President

In response to the growing online chatter, the White House reiterated that Trump remains in good health and continues to work full schedules. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that “the president’s medical condition is stable and poses no concern to his ability to perform his duties.”

Newsom’s Long-Running Feud With Trump

This latest incident adds another chapter to the ongoing feud between Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump. The California governor has frequently criticized Trump on issues ranging from climate change to immigration, while Trump has dismissed Newsom as a “failed governor” presiding over “chaos and decline” in California.

A Meme With Political Undertones

While The Nodfather may seem like a lighthearted jab, political analysts note that such online moments can shape public perception. “These memes have real political consequences,” said political strategist Erica Smith. “They reinforce narratives about age and fitness that voters are already thinking about.”

The Power of Political Humor

In the digital era, humor has become a potent weapon in political communication. Memes like The Nodfather can spread faster than traditional campaign messages, especially among younger audiences who rely heavily on social media for political content. Newsom’s quick move to share the image demonstrates his awareness of this modern media dynamic.

Critics Call It ‘Unbecoming’

Not everyone was amused by Newsom’s post. Some commentators, including moderate Democrats, suggested that mocking a sitting president’s health was beneath the dignity of a state governor. “It’s funny, sure, but also a little petty,” one political columnist wrote. “There’s a fine line between humor and disrespect.”


‘The Nodfather’ Goes Mainstream

Despite the backlash, the nickname “The Nodfather” has taken on a life of its own. Within hours, it was trending nationwide on X, with thousands of users creating their own variations — from fake movie trailers to photoshopped posters. The phrase now joins a long list of viral political nicknames that have shaped public discourse in recent years.

Conclusion: Humor Meets Politics

Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest jab at President Trump shows how humor, social media, and politics are increasingly intertwined. What began as a meme has evolved into a national conversation about leadership, age, and image in American politics. Whether “The Nodfather” nickname fades quickly or becomes a lasting label, it’s clear that Newsom’s post has struck a chord — and reminded everyone that in today’s political arena, a picture really can say a thousand words.