Newsom is trying to navigate choppy political waters, according to strategists from both parties. As the governor of California, a deep-blue Democratic state that Trump has gleefully caricatured at every opportunity, Newsom could struggle to appeal to swing voters as a national candidate without moderating his image.

As he returned to the White House today, Trump was asked if border czar Tom Homan should arrest California Gov. Gavin Newsom, as Newsom has dared him to do. “I would do it if I were Tom,” Trump told reporters. “I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity.” He added: “I like Gavin Newsom, he’s a nice guy, but he’s grossly incompetent.”