Hall Of Fame Or Petty Power Play? Gavin Newsom’S Shady Snub Of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Drama in Sacramento: Newsom vs. Schwarzenegger

Yo, Sacramento’s serving up some serious shade, and it’s not just the palm trees along the Capitol. At a Monday ceremony, everyone expected to hear former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name dropped as part of the 2025 California Hall of Fame inductees. I mean, we’re talking about the Terminator himself - a Hollywood icon, bodybuilding legend, and two-term governor who basically put Cali on the global map.

But here’s the tea: Gov. Gavin Newsom didn’t even mention Arnie’s name. Like, not a peep. According to Politico, folks from Schwarzenegger’s old crew were invited with the vibe that their boss was getting the nod. So, what’s the deal? Is this a straight-up snub, or did someone miss the memo in this SoCal-style political soap opera?

Details are murkier than a foggy day on the PCH, but the buzz is loud. Was Schwarzenegger left off the list, or did Newsom just play it coy for some strategic flex? Either way, it’s got everyone in the 916 area code (that’s Sacramento for the out-of-towners) raising eyebrows.

Political Beef or Misunderstanding?

Let’s break it down, fam. The California Hall of Fame isn’t just some cute award - it’s a big deal, and the sitting governor, along with the first partner (shoutout to Jennifer Siebel Newsom), picks the inductees. Politico’s report hints that Arnie was on the list, with a spokesperson saying he’d been ‘notified’ of his induction. But by who? And how? It’s all vague, like a plot twist in a Hollywood blockbuster.

Here’s where it gets juicy. Schwarzenegger’s been vocal against Newsom’s latest redistricting plan - a move to ‘temporarily’ suspend a commission and redraw maps to lock in more Dem seats (think 48 out of 52, per AP stats). Arnie’s even rocked a ‘F*** the politicians’ tee on X back on Aug. 15, pushing to ‘terminate gerrymandering.’ So, is Newsom dodging the announcement to avoid giving his rival any extra spotlight before a key November ballot initiative?

“Look, nobody’s getting snubbed here. The list is set, and we’ll spill the full deets in a few months,” said Newsom’s spokesman Bob Salladay, per Politico.

Arnie Takes the High Road - For Now

While the political streets of Cali are buzzing, Schwarzenegger’s keeping it cooler than a Malibu breeze. His spokesman, Daniel Ketchell, told Politico that Arnie’s not sweating it. “He’s got plenty of awards on his wall that didn’t require being on the same side politically,” Ketchell quipped. Translation: The Terminator doesn’t need Newsom’s validation.

Still, Newsom’s team is playing it cagey, saying the full Hall of Fame reveal won’t drop until at least November - conveniently after the Nov. 4 special election on that redistricting referendum. Coincidence? Or a calculated stall to keep the focus off a Republican heavyweight who’s throwing punches at Newsom’s pet project?

It’s hard not to side-eye this whole mess. If Schwarzenegger - arguably one of the most iconic Californians ever - is on the list but got ghosted for political points, that’s a low blow even by Sacramento standards.

Newsom’s Track Record: Petty or Predictable?

Let’s keep it 100 - this is Gavin Newsom we’re talking about. The man’s got ambition dripping off him like hair gel at a Hollywood premiere, with whispers of a 2028 presidential run already circulating. Delaying a well-deserved honor for Schwarzenegger just to dodge a PR headache? Yeah, that tracks. It’s petty, it’s predictable, and honestly, it’s kinda pitiful.

So, is this the Hall of Fame or a stall of shame? If Newsom’s holding back Arnie’s name for a cheap political win, it’s a sad look for a governor who’s supposed to rep all of Cali - not just his own agenda. We’re staying tuned for the November reveal, but right now, this drama’s hotter than a Santa Ana wind.

Drop your thoughts below - did Newsom cross a line, or is this just politics as usual in the Golden State? And hey, while you’re at it, peep our poll on whether Newsom’s redistricting plan will pass. Current tally? 20% yes, 80% no. Let’s hear your take!