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Cruz, Newsom Engage in Acrimonious Social Media Feud

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. som-engage-in-acrimonious-social-media-feud.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 6:39 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: California, Texas, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 17th, 2026 - The ongoing debate over U.S. border security has once again flared up into a personal and increasingly acrimonious exchange between Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA). The latest volley, launched on social media Monday, saw Senator Cruz labeling Governor Newsom a "historically illiterate clown" in response to Newsom's criticism of Cruz's hardline stance on immigration.

The exchange began with Newsom responding to a recent tweet from Cruz concerning border security and the use of the term "illegal aliens," a phrase widely considered to be dehumanizing by immigration advocates. Newsom accused Cruz of prioritizing "absurd political stunts" over "real solutions to the border crisis" and characterized his rhetoric as "harmful and deeply damaging."

Cruz, known for his combative political style, swiftly fired back, initiating a series of tweets directly attacking Newsom's leadership and policies in California. He accused Newsom of "virtue signaling" and claimed a lack of historical understanding, focusing on California's status as a "sanctuary state." Cruz further asserted that Newsom had "turned a blind eye" to the border crisis and was actively contributing to a situation that negatively impacts Texans and other Americans. He repeatedly used the pejorative term "clown" to describe the governor.

This is not an isolated incident. The relationship between Cruz and Newsom has been fraught with tension for years. In the past, Newsom has publicly called for investigations into Cruz, alleging incitement of violence related to the senator's rhetoric. Cruz, in turn, has consistently ridiculed Newsom's governance of California, often portraying the state as a cautionary tale of progressive policies gone awry.

Escalating Tensions Reflect National Divide

The escalation of this personal feud serves as a stark illustration of the deep and widening political divide over immigration policy in the United States. While the specifics of this exchange center around a Twitter argument, it underscores a much larger debate about border security, the treatment of undocumented immigrants, and the responsibilities of federal and state governments in addressing the issue.

Experts note that the rhetoric employed by both Cruz and Newsom, while effective in rallying their respective bases, contributes to a toxic political climate and hinders constructive dialogue. "When politicians resort to personal attacks and name-calling, it shuts down the possibility of finding common ground," says Dr. Emily Carter, a political science professor at Georgetown University. "It's far more about performance for their supporters than it is about actually solving the problem."

The core disagreement revolves around differing philosophies on immigration. Cruz consistently advocates for stricter border enforcement, increased surveillance, and the completion of a border wall. He frames the issue as one of national security and law and order, arguing that unchecked immigration strains resources and poses a threat to American citizens. Newsom, conversely, champions a more compassionate approach, emphasizing the economic contributions of immigrants and advocating for pathways to citizenship. He criticizes what he views as the federal government's inadequate response to the influx of asylum seekers and the inhumane conditions at border facilities.

California's Sanctuary State Policies Under Scrutiny

Cruz's focus on California's "sanctuary state" policies is particularly significant. These policies, enacted over the past decade, limit cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities. Proponents argue that these laws protect vulnerable communities and ensure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, have access to essential services. Critics, however, contend that they hinder law enforcement efforts and create a safe haven for criminals.

The debate over sanctuary policies is likely to intensify as the 2028 presidential election approaches. Immigration is consistently ranked as a top concern for voters, and candidates on both sides of the aisle are expected to address the issue in detail. The feud between Cruz and Newsom, while seemingly confined to social media, is a microcosm of the broader national conversation and a precursor to what promises to be a contentious and polarizing debate in the years ahead.

Newsom's office declined to respond to the immediate accusations, but sources within the administration indicate that the governor is preparing a more comprehensive response outlining California's efforts to address the challenges posed by immigration and the state's commitment to upholding human rights.