California Gov. Gavin Newsom faced ridicule from Spencer Pratt after endorsing President Donald Trump’s film tax incentives proposal. The governor urged Trump to bring more movie and television production back to the United States. Pratt mocked Newsom’s cordial message on X, calling him a “shape shifting lizard person.”
In a Truth Social post, Trump promoted the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act and named lawmakers from both parties. He blamed foreign tax incentives for moving film production overseas and urged Congress to act. The president argued that the legislation would benefit American workers and encourage productions to return home.
Newsom welcomed the proposal on X, writing, “You can’t say it often enough, Mr. President. Let’s make this happen!” He said California had more than doubled its film tax credit and wanted to raise it above $1 billion annually. The governor also stressed the importance of keeping American workers and productions in the United States.
However, Pratt took issue with Newsom’s response, particularly his address to Trump. Quoting the governor’s post on X, he opened with ” ‘Mr President’?” before questioning his sudden praise. “Gavin Newsom is a shape shifting lizard person,” he wrote.
Spencer Pratt and Gavin Newsom Clash Draws Mixed Reactions
The exchange sparked competing reactions, with some questioning Newsom’s motives and others challenging Pratt’s criticism.
One response echoed Pratt’s description, stating, “The shapeshifter speaks with a forked tongue.” Another questioned the governor’s sudden cooperation, writing, “Waving money in his direction works as a personality changer lol”
Others focused on California’s film industry. One critic claimed, “Newsom spent 8 years driving out production from California and now begging Fed to help to try and bring it back.”
A separate response questioned the industry’s value altogether. “Why is the film industry worth saving? All it does is pop out remakes and communist propaganda. Independent film makers do a better job.”
However, not everyone supported Pratt’s attack. “Why don’t you win an election before calling out your governor,” one person responded.
Another dismissed his criticism, writing, “Fake outrage, fake division. You’re shtick is so tiring haha”
The proposed federal legislation still awaits final approval. Its potential impact on California’s film production industry remains uncertain.
