Actor Mark Ruffalo has hulked out politically once again, but this time it’s a Democrat he’s targeting, criticizing California Gov. Gavin Newsom for opposing a proposed billionaire tax. It appears the critics are split, with supporters praising the Avengers star for challenging Democratic Party leadership and critics accusing him of hypocrisy over his own wealth.
Ruffalo, 58, went on his own X account on October 16 and ranted about Newsom. The dispute centres on a proposed California ballot measure that would impose a one-time tax on billionaires to help fund healthcare and other services. Newsom has not only opposed the proposal, but also supported a countermeasure, drawing criticism from progressives who argue that the governor is siding with wealthy donors rather than ordinary Californians.
“Gavin, we aren’t looking for the Democratic version of Trump. That was a good goof. Please try something else. It’s tired,” Ruffalo stated. The MCU actor then added, “The people need a champion, man. A real, bona fide champion who isn’t just tough in tweets or press conferences, but tough when it comes to the real imbalances people are struggling with every day: billionaires vs. people and the planet.”
The comparison has intensified the online debate over whether Newsom’s political positions align with the progressive image he has cultivated. On Reddit, some users supported Ruffalo’s criticism. One commenter argued that Newsom was “nothing more than another elite-donor Democrat in the pocket of the billionaire class,” while another wrote, “Get em again Mark Ruffalo!”
Ruffalo’s Rant Resulted in Rebuttals
Thanks to Ruffalo shedding light on the issue, many have questioned Newsom’s record and suggested his opposition to the tax could undermine his standing with voters who support greater wealth redistribution. “Gavin Newsom is horrible, and is for sale,” one Reddit user wrote, adding that the governor could be damaging his prospects of becoming the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028.
However, Ruffalo also faced backlash from critics who argued that wealthy celebrities should contribute more of their own money before advocating higher taxes on others. “Mark, your net worth is $35 million. Feel free to give it all away to get kids health insurance,” one commenter wrote on social media. Critics have also taken aim at the actor with the nickname “Temu Hulk,” mocking the Marvel star as the feud over Newsom and billionaire taxation spills into a personal attack on social media.
Another critic challenged the actor to donate half his wealth, asking why he would not do so if he was genuinely concerned about poverty. Others accused him of being out of touch with ordinary Americans and warned that taxing billionaires could drive investment and jobs out of California. “Put your money where your mouth is,” one critic wrote, echoing a recurring demand that Ruffalo personally fund the causes he supports.
Supporters of the proposed tax view it as a way to make the wealthiest contribute more, while opponents warn that additional taxes could have unintended economic consequences. For Ruffalo, the backlash has become an example of how celebrity activism can attract both support and scrutiny, particularly when the debate involves wealth.
