California Gov. Gavin Newsom spent Super Bowl weekend moving through elite social circles in San Francisco, drawing attention not only for his high-profile appearances but also for a politically charged proclamation aimed squarely at President Donald Trump.
With the Super Bowl hosted in California, Newsom was spotted at multiple invitation-only events alongside celebrities, corporate executives, and media figures. One of the most talked-about appearances came Saturday night at a party hosted by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin at Pier 48, where social media video showed the governor greeting the billionaire executive before stepping aside for a private conversation.
As the weekend unfolded, Newsom appeared eager to embrace the national spotlight. He attended several parties and concerts, often accompanied by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, while largely avoiding questions from reporters. When briefly asked whether he was enjoying the festivities, the governor responded with a thumbs-up before moving on.
The governor’s public appearances come amid ongoing speculation about his political future, with many observers viewing his national visibility as preparation for a potential presidential run.
Newsom was also seen attending concerts featuring major music acts and mingling with television personalities and entertainment figures. At another gathering earlier in the week, security reportedly ushered him away from cameras as reporters attempted to ask questions, fueling criticism that the governor was selectively avoiding scrutiny.
Saturday’s Fanatics event was described by attendees as a who’s who of sports, business, and entertainment elites. But it was Newsom’s actions earlier in the day that sparked the most political reaction.
Ahead of the Super Bowl halftime show, Newsom declared Sunday “Bad Bunny Day” in California. The announcement came via a social media post written in all capital letters and styled to mimic President Trump’s online tone — a move widely viewed as a deliberate political jab.
The governor praised the Spanish language and Puerto Rico while promoting the halftime performer, framing the proclamation as a cultural celebration. Critics, however, accused Newsom of using a major sporting event to score partisan points during a time when California continues to struggle with rising costs, crime concerns, and ongoing budget pressures.
Earlier in the week, Newsom attended a pre-game concert by Green Day, where the band’s lead singer reportedly criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Video footage captured the governor smiling and nodding along during the performance, drawing additional backlash from conservatives.
On Thursday, Newsom attended multiple closed-door events, including a pop-up gathering where he again avoided reporters. That event reportedly included prominent Democratic figures and former professional athletes, further reinforcing the image of a political and cultural elite gathering during Super Bowl week.
As the weekend concluded, Newsom’s mix of celebrity appearances, political messaging, and pointed social media posts ensured he remained in the national spotlight — while critics argued that the spectacle underscored a growing disconnect between California’s leadership and the everyday concerns of working Americans.