Newsom highlights Trump's presidency potential after White House's DoorDash stunt, doubts his ability to work for app

California Governor Gavin Newsom's team used Donald Trump's recent DoorDash event to highlight the irony of a convicted felon holding the office of President. The event emphasized how Trump's criminal record, including felony convictions, would prevent him from accessing typical jobs like delivery driving, despite his presidency.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's team has drawn attention to former President Donald Trump's recent DoorDash event to highlight the unusual circumstance of a convicted felon holding the office of President of the United States, while emphasizing that such a criminal record would generally prevent access to everyday employment opportunities such as delivery driving.

Social Media Response from Newsom's Team

On Monday evening, Newsom's press office posted on social media regarding Trump's Oval Office appearance with a DoorDash delivery. During this event, DoorDash worker Sharon Simmons delivered two large bags of McDonald's food directly to the White House entrance. The press office underscored the irony that Trump, a convicted felon, would typically be barred from participating in delivery work on most platforms due to standard background checks.

DoorDash requires background screening for all new delivery drivers. Convictions for serious or violent felonies, as well as offenses related to fraud, usually disqualify applicants. Trump’s record includes multiple felony convictions and a civil ruling for sexual abuse. Newsom’s official X account noted that despite these disqualifications, Trump serves as President, a situation that contrasts sharply with employment restrictions faced by others with similar legal histories.

Trump's Legal Background

In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable in a civil case for sexual abuse against writer E. Jean Carroll. Additionally, he was convicted on 34 felony charges in New York associated with hush money payments. Trump’s legal team attempted to overturn the New York conviction in February and is actively appealing two separate rulings in the Carroll case. These legal issues highlight the distinction between Trump’s presidential role and the limitations his criminal record would impose on ordinary employment opportunities.

Political Context for Newsom

Governor Newsom is considered a potential front-runner for the Democratic nomination in the 2028 presidential election. Last fall, when asked about a potential campaign following the 2026 midterms, he indicated interest but has not finalized a decision. His comments on Trump’s DoorDash event are consistent with his broader political positioning and public statements regarding presidential eligibility and standards of accountability.

Details of Trump's DoorDash Event

The event was staged to promote Trump’s policy to eliminate taxes on tipped wages starting in 2025. Trump personally held bags of cheeseburgers and fries while the delivery driver explained how the tax measure benefited her under the One Big, Beautiful Bill passed the previous year. He subsequently held a press conference alongside the DoorDash worker, addressing various topics including the situation in Iran and past disputes with the Pope.

Press Conference Highlights

During the press conference, Trump addressed a deleted AI-generated image portraying him as Jesus Christ. He clarified that the image represented him in a medical context, describing it as showing him healing people with a glowing light. The post drew criticism from conservative commentators and Christian organizations. The event attracted attention not only for its political messaging but also for highlighting the contrast between the restrictions imposed by Trump’s criminal record on normal employment and his current position as President.

Sources:

• CNN
• The Hill
• Fox News
• Newsom uses White House’s DoorDash stunt to point out Trump can be president - but likely can’t work for the app

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.