California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly urged Fox News to cancel its late-night talk show Gutfeld!, intensifying the ongoing friction between Democratic officials and the conservative-leaning network. The call came after Newsom’s press office issued a social media post earlier this week aimed directly at host Greg Gutfeld, one of Fox’s most prominent on-air personalities.
The message, written in the style of a mock “Trump tweet,” accused Gutfeld of relying on a laugh track to bolster audience reactions and went further to suggest that Fox should remove him from its programming. The post was widely shared online, drawing attention from both critics and supporters of the governor’s stance.
Gutfeld, whose program debuted in 2021, has built an audience by combining political commentary with late-night comedy. Branded as a right-leaning alternative to the mainstream late-night lineup, Gutfeld! has become a fixture in Fox’s primetime rotation, often drawing ratings that rival or surpass those of established network competitors. The show is known for its panel discussions, satirical takes on current events, and frequent critiques of Democratic leaders, including Newsom.
The governor’s call for Fox to “dump” the host marks a rare instance of a sitting state executive directly challenging an entertainment program. Newsom, who has gained national visibility as a prominent Democratic figure, has frequently sparred with conservative media outlets, particularly Fox News, over issues ranging from COVID-19 policies to California’s economic and social landscape.
Political analysts note that Newsom’s move reflects the increasingly blurred lines between politics and media in the modern era. While politicians have long criticized coverage they believe to be unfair or misleading, direct demands for cancellation of specific television programs are unusual. Critics of Newsom argue that his remarks risk fueling accusations of political censorship, while supporters contend that calling out misinformation or manipulative programming is part of responsible leadership.
Fox News has not issued an official response to the governor’s post, and the network has continued to air Gutfeld! without interruption. Industry observers suggest that Newsom’s comments are unlikely to influence Fox’s programming decisions, as the show has performed strongly in ratings and carved out a loyal viewer base.
The controversy also highlights the heightened political stakes in late-night television, a genre traditionally dominated by humor but increasingly intertwined with partisan viewpoints. Whereas shows like The Tonight Show and Late Show with Stephen Colbert often lean toward liberal commentary, Gutfeld! distinguishes itself by offering conservative humor and analysis, filling a niche that appeals to right-leaning audiences who feel underserved by mainstream entertainment outlets.
Whether Newsom’s criticism was intended as a serious push for cancellation or as a rhetorical jab remains unclear. What is certain is that the exchange underscores the deep divide between political leaders and media organizations, as both sides continue to shape narratives that resonate with their respective supporters.
For now, the governor’s remarks have amplified attention to a show that thrives on controversy, and Gutfeld’s program remains firmly in Fox’s lineup, continuing its role as a late-night counterweight to the network’s rivals.