In a segment that left Stephen Colbert’s studio audience — and millions at home — in stunned laughter and disbelief, California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed he has been crowned the first-ever winner of the “Intergalactic Peace Alliance — Supreme Earth Distinction” for “Most Peaceful Person in the History of the Earth.” The announcement came during a December 16, 2025, appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where Newsom, 58, held up a glittering trophy shaped like a UFO and declared: “This is real — the aliens chose me.” Colbert, barely containing his amusement, quipped: “Gavin, are you saying E.T. phoned Sacramento?” Newsom, deadpan, replied: “They did — and they’re big fans of our high-speed rail.” He teased even “bigger revelations” about “space corridors” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night, sending the internet into a frenzy of memes and speculation.

The “prize,” presented by the self-proclaimed Intergalactic Peace Alliance (a satirical group led by comedian Eric André, per sources), honors “earthlings advancing universal harmony.” Newsom, fresh from climate summits and criminal justice reforms, accepted with theatrical flair: “In a divided world, this reminds us peace transcends planets.” Colbert’s band played the Star Wars theme; the audience roared.

Fans are hooked: #NewsomAlienPrize trends with 1.2 million posts, memes of Newsom with E.T. flooding TikTok. “Gavin’s trolling level: galactic,” tweeted one (@CalPolitics, 100k likes). Kimmel teased: “Tuesday, Gavin reveals the corridors — or just more California dreaming?”

Newsom’s humor amid 2028 presidential buzz delights supporters, baffles critics. The “prize” — a prop from André’s show — underscores his media savvy. As Kimmel awaits, America asks: satire or signal?