‘Bad Political Move’: Newsom Labelled ‘Petty’ for Refusing to Honour Arnold Schwarzenegger

California Governor Gavin Newsom has found himself at the centre of a storm of criticism after reports surfaced that he is refusing to honour one of his most famous predecessors, Arnold Schwarzenegger, with a key state recognition. What might seem like a minor ceremonial snub has quickly escalated into a broader debate about pettiness, political insecurity, and Newsom’s long-term ambitions on the national stage.

A Clash of Two Governors

According to reports first carried by Politico, Newsom has quietly blocked efforts to award Schwarzenegger a state honour. The reason? Schwarzenegger has publicly criticised Newsom’s recent redistricting push, a move many observers describe as a partisan attempt to gerrymander California’s congressional map in favour of Democrats.

On the surface, the standoff seems almost absurd: a Democratic governor in a deep-blue state choosing to pick a fight with a Republican predecessor who has long since left electoral politics behind. Yet, as political analyst Christian Toto observed, “It seems petty as possible just on the surface. Newsom has been having this aggressive effort to rebrand himself as a tough guy—fighting fire with fire with Trump—but if you can’t stand up to Schwarzenegger, who is not even political at this point in his career, it’s a bad look.”

Schwarzenegger: The Softest of Republicans

Part of what makes this clash remarkable is the persona of Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. Though still nominally a Republican, the former governor and global movie star has positioned himself in recent years as a centrist elder statesman. He has spoken out on climate change, gerrymandering, and political civility, often distancing himself from the sharp elbows of today’s Republican Party.

As Toto noted, “He’s the softest of Republicans you’ll possibly find. He’s not throwing sharp elbows.” Against this backdrop, Newsom’s refusal to honour Schwarzenegger appears less like a bold act of principle and more like a defensive overreaction.

Petty Politics or Strategic Play?

Critics argue that Newsom’s stance reveals insecurity and an inability to rise above political grudges. In the words of one commentator: “At the end of the day, you’ve got to kind of rise to a certain level and be above it all. This was the perfect moment for Newsom to be magnanimous, to simply honour a popular predecessor and leave it there. Instead, he’s turned it into a fight.”

The fact that Politico—not known as a conservative outlet—has highlighted the story adds weight to the criticism. For many, it suggests that the controversy is not just right-wing spin but a genuine misstep that could haunt Newsom as he seeks to build his national profile.

A Revealing Moment for Newsom’s Character

Observers in both California and beyond see the dispute as revealing of Newsom’s political character. “If he’s going to be so petty about this,” one Australian commentator remarked, “then is everything just going to be this political fight, turning everybody into either friends or enemies?”

In an era when voters increasingly lament hyper-partisanship, Newsom’s refusal to honour Schwarzenegger risks reinforcing the perception that he is more interested in waging personal political battles than demonstrating inclusive leadership.

The National Spotlight

This controversy comes at a delicate time for Newsom. National media have increasingly cast him as a rising Democratic star—someone positioning himself for a potential future presidential run. His combative style on social media, often directed at Republicans and particularly at Donald Trump, has won him praise from some quarters of the Democratic base.

Yet moments like this risk undermining that brand. By appearing small-minded in the face of minor criticism, Newsom fuels doubts about whether he has the temperament to handle the relentless scrutiny and compromise required on the national stage.

Schwarzenegger’s Enduring Appeal

Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger remains a uniquely popular figure, not just in California but internationally. His tenure as governor was marked by bipartisan cooperation and a willingness to break from ideological orthodoxy. Even in retirement, he has remained active in public debates, lending his voice to causes ranging from fitness and after-school programs to political reform.

For Newsom to withhold recognition from such a figure not only alienates moderates but also appears to diminish California’s tradition of celebrating its diverse political history. As critics note, honouring a predecessor does not mean endorsing all of their policies—it means acknowledging their service and role in the state’s story.

“A Bad Look” That Won’t Disappear

The story has resonated beyond California’s borders, sparking discussion in places as far as Australia. “I have a lot of people here asking me about Gavin Newsom,” Toto said. “And I feel like this is one of those moments that’s very revealing about the guy’s character.”

By refusing to honour Schwarzenegger, Newsom has created a distraction that even sympathetic media outlets find difficult to defend. Instead of projecting strength, he appears petty. Instead of looking presidential, he looks provincial.

Lessons in Magnanimity

The situation highlights a broader lesson in politics: symbolic gestures matter. At a time when Americans are weary of endless partisan battles, acts of magnanimity—however small—can go a long way toward restoring faith in leadership.

Newsom had an opportunity to demonstrate that he could set aside personal grievances, rise above political squabbles, and honour a man who, beyond politics, is a beloved cultural icon. By refusing to do so, he turned a ceremonial recognition into an unnecessary controversy.

A Tale of Two Stories: Vanity Fair and Melania Trump

Interestingly, the Newsom-Schwarzenegger clash came up in the same discussion as another culture-war flashpoint: reports that staff at Vanity Fair were threatening to walk out if Melania Trump appeared on the magazine’s cover.

The juxtaposition was striking. Both stories highlight the increasingly performative nature of politics and media, where symbolic acts—whether honouring a predecessor or featuring a First Lady on a magazine cover—are loaded with partisan meaning. In both cases, critics argue that personal animus and ideological rigidity have overshadowed common sense and courtesy.

Conclusion: A Self-Inflicted Wound

Gavin Newsom’s reported refusal to honour Arnold Schwarzenegger may seem minor in the grand scheme of California politics. Yet in the world of modern media, such symbolic missteps can echo loudly.

By allowing personal pique to dictate a public decision, Newsom risks tarnishing his image as a national leader. At the same time, Schwarzenegger’s relative restraint—criticising redistricting without descending into partisan brawling—only magnifies the contrast.

For a governor with evident presidential ambitions, the lesson is clear: sometimes the strongest move is not to fight but to rise above. In choosing pettiness, Newsom may have won a momentary victory over a critic—but he may also have lost an opportunity to appear magnanimous, presidential, and truly strong.