Gavin Newsom trolls ‘good boy’ Ted Cruz with AI photo - Washington Examiner

California Governor Gavin Newsom used an AI-generated image to troll Senator Ted Cruz on X. The image, posted on May 27, 2026, depicted Cruz as a lap dog being doted on by Chevron.

What happened

The AI-generated image was posted in response to Cruz criticizing California's energy policies and blaming Newsom for high gas prices. The image showed Cruz with a collar, dog tag, and a bowl labeled “Chevron’s lapdog.” The AI-generated Cruz had a happy expression and was surrounded by money, while Chevron patted his head. Newsom's press office had previously mocked other politicians using similar tactics.