California Governor Gavin Newsom found himself visibly uncomfortable during a Wednesday, October 29, 2025 interview when ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl confronted him with social media comparisons likening him to Patrick Bateman, the Wall Street serial killer from the 2000 film “American Psycho.”
The awkward exchange occurred during what had been a wide-ranging conversation between Newsom and Karl when the journalist abruptly shifted topics. Karl bluntly asked the Democratic governor what he made of “all the Patrick Bateman talk” before producing printed pages of memes depicting Newsom as the fictitious character played by Christian Bale.
Newsom responded with what appeared to be a nervous laugh, beginning to deflect before Karl pressed further, informing him that people were comparing him to the American Psycho character. The governor attempted to pivot by referencing President Donald Trump’s nickname for him, but Karl countered that even Newsom’s friends were making the comparison.
Visibly caught off guard, Newsom questioned whether his friends were truly saying such things before joking that he would need to reevaluate his guest list. The exchange intensified when Karl read aloud remarks from an unnamed comedian who described Newsom as “a literal comic book villain from central casting” with “Patrick Bateman vibes.” The correspondent added that the comedian suggested Newsom “definitely had someone killed or may have killed someone himself,” prompting a chuckle from the governor.
After acknowledging he was glad to still have some humor left, Newsom shifted to a more serious tone. “This is a rough business. Particularly if you’re willing to fight. And I just hope we have more fighters,” he told Karl. He added: “I have no problem being out there with the arrows in my back, as long as it gives some space for people to run over me and move forward.”
The topic resurfaced later in the interview when Karl asked Newsom about the biggest misconception people have about him. The governor gestured toward the printed memes, citing the Bateman comparisons and references to his appearance and hair as factors that lead people to believe certain things about him. When Karl sought clarification on whether Newsom meant people viewed him as a lightweight, the governor pushed back against what he characterized as style-over-substance perceptions.
Newsom indicated he believed people thought he had more style than substance, but defended his policy record. He expressed pride in the policy work accomplished during his tenure, describing his track record in terms he characterized as not braggadocious but genuinely worthy of recognition.
The social media phenomenon comparing Newsom to Bateman has gained traction online, with users drawing parallels between the governor’s polished appearance and the character’s superficial perfectionism. The 2000 film depicted Bateman as a wealthy investment banker who maintained an impeccable exterior while harboring violent tendencies, creating a stark contrast between appearance and reality.
The interview comes amid ongoing political tensions between Newsom and the Trump administration. The governor has positioned himself as a prominent opposition voice to federal policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement and water management issues in California. Recent conflicts have included disputes over National Guard deployments and federal disaster aid.
Newsom’s national profile has risen considerably in recent years, fueled by his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and his willingness to engage in high-profile political battles. He has toured red states campaigning for fellow Democrats, proposed a constitutional amendment on gun restrictions, and debated Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Fox News. Political observers have long speculated about his presidential aspirations, though Newsom previously insisted he had no interest in seeking higher office.
The Patrick Bateman comparison represents the latest in a series of online characterizations that have followed Newsom throughout his political career. Social media users have previously created memes about his appearance, with some referring to him with other pop culture comparisons. The governor has generally maintained a sense of humor about such online commentary, though the American Psycho comparison appeared to strike a particular nerve during the ABC News interview.
Despite his visible discomfort with the comparison, Newsom emphasized his commitment to remaining engaged in political fights, even when facing criticism. He framed his willingness to absorb attacks as creating space for others to advance progressive causes and policies. The governor suggested that being a fighter in contemporary politics requires accepting that not everyone will appreciate either the style or substance of one’s approach to governance.
The Wednesday interview highlighted the intersection of social media culture and political discourse, where viral memes and online comparisons can penetrate even serious journalistic conversations with elected officials. Newsom’s reaction demonstrated the challenge politicians face in addressing internet phenomena that may seem trivial but carry underlying implications about public perception.
