California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office drew criticism after responding to conservative influencer Benny Johnson with a jab referencing Grindr, the gay dating app. The comment, posted on January 6, 2026, came after Johnson announced plans to investigate alleged fraud in the state, leading to accusations of homophobia from some conservatives.
Johnson, a popular right-wing podcaster and commentator, said his team would travel to California next week to look into what he called widespread mismanagement of taxpayer money.
In his post on X, he listed figures like $70 billion in lost funds, $24 billion spent on homelessness programmes with little results, and other examples. He labelled California the “fraud capital of the world” and asked for tips from the public.
The governor’s official press account quote-tweeted it with a short line: “We’ll make sure Grindr servers are ready…” The remark plays on a long-running online meme that the app crashes or spikes in use during Republican gatherings, implying many closeted conservative users. It also ties into past rumours about Johnson himself, spread by far-right figure Milo Yiannopoulos on a podcast last month, claiming Johnson has a hidden personal life despite his family-man image.
The tweet got over 80,000 likes quickly and sparked sharp divides. Some on the left saw it as clever trolling, fitting Newsom’s office’s reputation for snappy comebacks against critics. Supporters called it out, pointing out hypocrisy in conservatives who push “family values” while rumours swirl. One comment said it wasn’t about gay people in general, just the irony at events where the app supposedly overloads.
On the other side, conservatives slammed it as homophobic and low. Figures like Tim Pool called it hypocritical from a Democrat who claims to support LGBTQ rights. Others said using a gay app as an insult plays into old stereotypes. Johnson himself hasn’t responded directly yet, but his followers pushed back hard, saying the joke crossed a line. Some noted Newsom’s long record as an ally on gay marriage and trans issues, making the quip feel off-brand.
This exchange highlights how fast political fights heat up online these days. Johnson’s announcement tied into broader claims about California spending under Newsom, like audits on homelessness funds or COVID relief. Trump himself posted about investigating the state that same day, calling it corrupt. The Grindr reply shifted focus to personal jabs instead of policy debate.
Newsom’s press team runs the account known for mimicking Trump’s style—short, punchy, and often meme-heavy. It has built a big following for clapping back at national Republicans. But this one drew more backlash than usual, with even some liberals saying it went too far by leaning on sexuality for a burn.
Johnson, married with kids, has built his brand on conservative commentary and investigations into left-leaning figures. Past plagiarism issues from his BuzzFeed days follow him, but his audience stays loyal. Heading to California fits his style of on-the-ground reporting for viral content.
In the end, the tweet amplified both sides. Johnson’s post got more eyes, and Newsom’s office stayed in the headlines. Partisan lines showed clear: one camp laughed, the other called foul. It underscores tensions in US politics early in Trump’s second term, with California often a target for national conservatives.
No follow-up from either yet. Johnson might address it on his show. Newsom keeps pushing the state agenda amid federal scrutiny. Online fights like this come and go, but they reveal deeper splits on humour, identity, and accountability.
California faces real budget questions, from housing costs to programme results. Johnson’s trip could highlight those or get lost in the noise. For now, the Grindr line dominates the talk.
