Gavin Newsom shamelessly uses NYC book tour stop to promote $100 ‘Trump signature’ kneepads
California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted his controversial, anti-Trump merchandise Tuesday during a New York City event for his memoir, which required attendees—even those joining virtually—to purchase the book for entry.
“Forgive me, because I know our time is limited, but I started a patriot’s store,” Newsom said near the end of the event at the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Cultural Center.
“I have new Trump Signature Series kneepads now,” the Democratic governor added, referring to the $100 red cushions bearing an autograph resembling President Donald Trump’s signature. According to Newsom, the kneepads previously “sold out,” which he compared to universities, law firms, corporations, and media outlets “selling out this country.”
Newsom noted he had brought a pair of the kneepads to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, but said they did not go over well. “I don’t think I’m going to be invited back,” he joked.
At the same event, Newsom described the nation as facing a “serious moment” and a “moral moment,” framing his campaign merchandise within a broader political context. Proceeds from the store go to his Campaign for Democracy committee, which supports his growing national profile ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid. Polling by RealClearPolitics currently shows Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris as the top Democratic contenders in a hypothetical primary, with Harris at 28.3% and Newsom at 20.7%.
Newsom also promoted his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, during the event, which was moderated by Democratic Gen-Z influencer Harry Sisson. “This is not one of those political books that I wrote just to, you know, try to get it ahead of some cycle … legitimately,” he said, adding that he is now in “the second phase of my life.”
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