California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential future presidential contender, is at the center of a political stir following the alleged revelation of private remarks he made about President Donald Trump. A lip-reading expert claims to have identified Newsom praising President Trump during a seemingly hushed conversation with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a World Cup soccer match. This alleged exchange has garnered significant attention, particularly as it precedes Newsom's recent public announcement that he and his wife are under active investigation by President Trump's Department of Justice.
"He will. He will survive. He is a far better president than any of them." — Gavin Newsom, California Governor (as interpreted by lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling)
The incident reportedly unfolded during a group stage match between the United States and Paraguay. Governor Newsom and Mr. Trudeau were captured on video engaged in what appeared to be a private discussion. Nicola Hickling, a lip-reading professional commissioned by the Daily Mail, analyzed the footage, providing an interpretation that has since circulated widely across political circles.
According to Hickling's analysis, the conversation began with Mr. Trudeau making a candid admission, stating: "Listen, I can tell you one thing I’ve learned from it." Mr. Trudeau then reportedly continued, "I was never really in the primary. You can’t see it because they’re rivalries, you can’t. It’s been four months." The precise context of "four months" remains speculative, though some observers have noted that President Trump ordered military strikes against Iran on February 28, roughly four months prior to the World Cup match.
The exchange then reportedly took a more private turn. Governor Newsom was observed leaning in close to Mr. Trudeau, whispering into his ear while turning his back to the camera, thereby obscuring his lips from direct view. Whatever was conveyed in that moment appeared to resonate with Mr. Trudeau, who subsequently clasped his hands together. Both men then reportedly uttered words that Hickling interpreted as potentially controversial within Democratic Party circles.
Hickling’s analysis suggests Mr. Trudeau followed up with: "Yeah, Trump can beat them, but there’s no way, no way out of it." The most impactful part of the alleged exchange, according to the lip reader, came when Governor Newsom reportedly stated: "He will. He will survive. He is a far better president than any of them."
When approached for comment by the Daily Mail regarding Hickling's findings, Governor Newsom’s press officer did not directly dispute the substance of the alleged remarks. Instead, the response was reportedly dismissive and sarcastic: "Is your lip reader blind? Hahahahaha." Governor Newsom was reportedly accompanied by his son Hunter at the match and appeared relaxed throughout the game.
Mr. Trudeau, meanwhile, faced his own public scrutiny for his attendance at the U.S. match, particularly from Canadians who were reportedly upset he chose it over Canada’s own World Cup opener on the same day. Mr. Trudeau later clarified his presence on social media, explaining he attended in a personal capacity to watch his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, sing the national anthem for the American team. He wrote: “Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup.”
Just days after the alleged World Cup exchange, Governor Newsom made a significant public announcement, revealing that he and his wife, Jennifer, are under active investigation by President Trump’s Department of Justice. Governor Newsom, widely considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, promptly framed the probe as a politically motivated attack. He asserted that the DOJ "have not found a crime — they are simply trying to find one," and accused President Trump of targeting him specifically due to his perceived White House ambitions. "He isn’t coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for president," the governor stated.
Despite facing federal scrutiny, Governor Newsom has maintained an active presence in national political discourse, including recent critiques of Vice President JD Vance. After Vice President Vance appeared as a guest co-host on Fox News’ The Five, journalist Aaron Rupar posted footage online, humorously suggesting the Vice President was "auditioning to be a Fox host apparently." Governor Newsom, 58, quickly responded to the post, stating: "Makes sense. JD is going to need a job in 2028 since he won’t be president." He further criticized Vice President Vance's defense of the current economy, posting footage of Vance's appearance on The View and writing: "JD Vance can’t even defend Trump’s economy with a straight face. Maybe that’s because Americans are getting crushed by it. Gas. Groceries. Inflation. ALL UP! These clowns are in over their heads."
The alleged private praise of President Trump, coupled with the ongoing DOJ investigation and Newsom's public political maneuvering, highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of high-stakes politics in the current environment.
