Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter sparked immediate backlash on Saturday after using profanity to attack President Donald Trump during the California Democratic Party's 2026 state convention. Addressing a crowd at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, the gubernatorial candidate held up a message that read "F--- TRUMP" and shouted the phrase to the audience. Porter, who is known for using a whiteboard during congressional hearings, vowed to "kick Trump's a--" in the upcoming November elections.
The stunt has been labeled by critics as another example of "Trump Derangement Syndrome" infecting the pool of Democratic candidates. Porter used her platform to lob extreme accusations at the administration, claiming the president is "willing to kill people in the streets." She further alleged that the current White House is attempting to "ruthlessly attack our democracy" by enforcing federal laws and border security.
The vulgar display comes as Porter faces accusations of hypocrisy regarding her stance on wealthy donors and "dark money" in politics. Unearthed FEC records recently exposed Porter’s own reliance on deep-pocketed supporters despite her public "warrior for working families" persona. Republican strategists noted that while Porter focuses on profanity-laced slogans, her record in Congress was defined by progressive activism rather than bipartisan results.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Porter’s former law professor, officially endorsed her friend for the governorship on Monday. Warren praised Porter as a "warrior" who would champion a "bold, progressive vision" for the state of California. Porter celebrated the endorsement on X, formerly Twitter, promising to hold the "powerful accountable" alongside her longtime mentor.
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to Porter’s specific comments, though President Trump has previously dismissed such rhetoric as "unhinged." Administration officials noted that while Porter plays to the radical left in San Francisco, the president is focused on the "American Manufacturing Renaissance." Recent polling shows that voters are increasingly tired of the "clown show" of partisan insults and are prioritizing lower costs and safe streets.
Porter’s outburst mirrors a recent trend among desperate Democratic candidates, including an Illinois Lieutenant Governor who released a video of people using the same slur. As the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up, Porter appears to be doubling down on a "resist" strategy to gain traction in a crowded primary field. For many California residents, the display was a reminder of why the "Golden State" continues to struggle with what critics call "performative" leadership.