'You can't wish away the damage' Gavin Newsom's birthday message to Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom shared a pointed message on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, calling him "America's biggest loser" and warning that no birthday wish could undo the damage of his presidency. The post came as the president kicked off the celebration for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with a $60-million UFC event, which has been widely criticized by several, including the "No Kings" movement that held protests on Sunday. 

"Happy eight decades around the sun to America’s biggest loser, @realDonaldTrump!" the Democratic governor wrote on X. "You can blow out the candles, but you can't wish away the damage." The message followed a piece from Newsom that outlined a wide range of issues related to government spending, immigration, economic policy, healthcare, federal governance, environmental regulations, and more. Issued by the Governor's Office, in the statement, Newsom argued that Trump has prioritized personal and political interests over the needs of American families, listing out 80 criticisms of his presidency on his 80th birthday. 

 Newsom wasn't the only one to share a critical birthday message for the president. "My initial thought was to give you a one-way ticket to The Hague as a birthday gift, but that comment would probably go above your head," environmental activist Greta Thunberg wrote in a message in The Guardian. "I will instead give you a can of alphabet soup; the sentences you poop out will be more coherent than anything you have ever said. Now you can finally take part in meaningful public discourse." 

Meanwhile, supporters of Trump showered the president with love and praise on his birthday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a video montage dedicated to Trump, writing, "Happy birthday to the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF DONALD J. TRUMP." Other administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, FBI Director Kash Patel, and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, also posted messages celebrating the president. 

Trump celebrated his birthday with a UFC fight night on the White House grounds as part of programming for America’s 250th anniversary. The president watched the matches from a cage-side seat on the South Lawn, sitting between first lady Melania Trump and UFC CEO Dana White. His entire immediate family, along with several high-profile business leaders and administration officials, were also in attendance.

While the event generated enthusiasm among Trump supporters, it drew backlash from critics.  Protesters rallied outside the White House in a concert organized by "No Kings" and headlined by Jane Fonda. Hundreds of "watch parties" and local organizing events were set up, including one called "RAGE AGAINST THE CAGE!" protest at McPherson Square near the White House, according to Fox News.

A 16-page "No Kings Event Host Toolkit" released prior to the event described June 14 as an opportunity to convert mass demonstrations into local political infrastructure. Organizers called the protests a counter to Trump's hosting of the White House UFC event, with organizers describing the event as "an uplifting evening of song, solidarity, and action" celebrating freedoms of "speech, religion, press, assembly, and protest."