Gavin Newsom has responded sharply to President Donald Trump’s comments regarding California’s election system ahead of the upcoming primary election.
In a conversation with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, on Fox News, Trump criticized California’s voting processes, labeling them as “fraudulent.”
He went on to assert that addressing election fraud nationwide could help alleviate the country’s fiscal issues and the ongoing concerns related to California’s elections.
The remarks prompted an immediate reaction from Newsom, who, through a post from his press office, simply stated, “No. You’re just a loser.”
This exchange marks another episode in the ongoing feud between the Democratic governor, who may eye a 2028 presidential bid, and the Republican president, with past disputes covering a range of topics such as immigration, wildfire management, and voting rights.
During the interview, Trump alleged that polling places did not exist in California and that all votes were cast via mail. He reiterated his belief that mail-in voting is “rigged” and suggested that states should discontinue this method.
Lara Trump echoed those sentiments, characterizing California as “unstable” during the discussion.
Newsom countered these claims in a follow-up social media post, accusing Trump of spreading misinformation at a time when Californians are preparing to vote. “Trump is actively lying to the American people. Once again,” he cautioned on X. “This time it’s to prevent people from voting. Don’t believe him.”
This political spat arises just days before California voters participate in the state’s primary election, which has already begun.
Trump has recently weighed in on several significant races in California. He endorsed Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star running for mayor of Los Angeles despite lacking political experience. He also backed former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton in the gubernatorial race, though he expressed uncertainty about whether Republicans could claim control in the heavily Democratic state.
The ongoing debate about election integrity comes shortly after Newsom enacted measures to bolster protections for California’s electoral system. He signed a bill designed to prevent federal interference in state elections, considering it a safeguard against potential federal actions aimed at Democratic-led states and cities.
“President Trump has done the worst, so we expect the worst,” Newsom remarked during a news conference discussing the new legislation.
