BACKDRAFT: Gavin Newsom Uses Fire Analogy To Attack Trump, But It Blows Up In His Face

In an attempt to showcase just how dangerous he believes President Donald Trump to be, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) made the mistake of comparing the United States under Trump to a “five-alarm fire” — an analogy that quickly blew up in his face.

Newsom was explaining his position to ABC News anchor Jonathan Karl, and he claimed — among other things — that Trump was likely to do away with elections and the democratic process in their entirety if he was left to himself.

WATCH:

Gavin Newsom: “I really am scared to death about what’s going on in this country. I really believe it is Code Red. It’s five-alarm fire. It’s breaking every hour of every day. We won’t have a country. We won’t have an election that’s fair and free if we don’t stand up” pic.twitter.com/Zprb4IomBD

— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) October 30, 2025

“I just hope we have more fighters,” Newsom said, adding, “I say this seriously — I have no problem being, you know, out there with arrows in my back as long as it gives some space for people to run over me and move forward. I’m serious about that.”

“I really am scared to death about what’s going on in this country,” he continued. “I really believe it is Code Red. It’s five-alarm fire. It’s breaking every hour of every day. We won’t have a country. We won’t have an election that’s fair and free if we don’t stand up.”

But with the memory of the Palisades fire only just in the rear view mirror — and the state’s abject failure to cut away the layers of red tape preventing those who want to from rebuilding — a number of critics found Newsom’s “five-alarm fire” analogy to be a little too on the nose.

“Here’s a tip, Slick. You of all people would be wise not to use fire metaphors in your bulls*** rambling,” actor James Woods observed. “The last ‘five alarm fire’ in California destroyed 16,000 homes and killed 29 people. Thanks solely to you, the commie mayor you support, and your idiot policies. Pipe down.”

Here’s a tip, Slick. You of all people would be wise not to use fire metaphors in your bullshit rambling. The last “five alarm fire” in California destroyed 16,000 homes and killed 29 people. Thanks solely to you, the commie mayor you support, and your idiot policies.

Pipe down. https://t.co/EuNhDro5rJ

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 31, 2025

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton added, “You are trying to disenfranchise millions of Californians and rig our elections to entrench your authoritarian one party rule. We are not interested in your laughable lectures on threats to democracy. Look in the mirror.”

You are trying to disenfranchise millions of Californians and rig our elections to entrench your authoritarian one party rule.

We are not interested in your laughable lectures on threats to democracy. Look in the mirror. https://t.co/lZRRducB2D

— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) October 31, 2025

“The Code Red is what happened in the Palisades. Who ordered it?? We can handle the truth!” RedState’s Jennifer Van Laar said.

The Code Red is what happened in the Palisades. Who ordered it??

We can handle the truth! https://t.co/R9wKldMUhP

— Jennifer Van Laar (@jenvanlaar) October 31, 2025

“Does Gavin Newsom know Gavin Newsom’s record in putting out five alarm fires?” Margot Cleveland wondered.

Does Gavin Newsom know Gavin Newsom’s record in putting out five alarm fires? https://t.co/8BQoBtdXe5 https://t.co/R4WAgzVqbD

— Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) October 31, 2025

“After what happened in California imagine having so little shame and self-awareness to say Trump’s causing a ‘five-alarm fire,'” Doug Powers said.

After what happened in California imagine having so little shame and self-awareness to say Trump’s causing a “five-alarm fire.” https://t.co/eFkIUUw7pN

— Doug Powers (@ThePowersThatBe) October 31, 2025