Gavin Newsom fired back at Donald Trump after the president dismissed California’s election system with a blunt five-word assessment ahead of the primary election.
Speaking with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump on Fox News, the president said “California elections are a fraud,” while renewing his criticism of the state’s voting procedures.
He also argued eliminating election fraud nationwide would help solve the country’s fiscal problems and repeated longstanding complaints about voting practices in California.
The remarks quickly drew a sharp response from Newsom’s office. “No,” Newsom shot back in a post on X from the governor’s press office account. “You’re just a loser.”
The exchange marked the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between the Democratic governor, who is weighing a 2028 White House run, and the Republican president, who have frequently sparred over issues ranging from immigration and wildfire management to voting rights and election administration.
During the interview, Trump alleged California lacks voting booths and claimed voting is conducted entirely by mail.
He also repeated his assertion that mail-in voting is “rigged” and suggested the state should abandon the practice.
Lara Trump echoed the criticism, describing California as “wonky” during the discussion.
Newsom responded with another social media post accusing the president of spreading misinformation about the election process as Californians prepare to cast ballots.
“Trump is actively lying to Americans. Again,” Newsom warned on X. “This time it’s to keep you from voting. Don’t believe him.”
The political clash comes just days before California voters head to the polls in the state’s primary election, with voting already underway.
Trump has recently weighed in on several high-profile California races.
The president has praised mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, the reality television personality seeking to lead Los Angeles despite having no prior political experience.
Trump has also endorsed former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton in the race for governor, although he acknowledged uncertainty about whether a Republican can capture statewide office in heavily Democratic California.
The dispute over election integrity follows action taken by Newsom earlier this week to strengthen protections around the state’s election system.
The governor signed legislation designed to prevent federal interference in California elections, describing the measure as a safeguard against what he characterized as growing concerns over potential federal actions targeting Democratic-led states and cities.
“I expect the worst with Trump because he’s done the worst,” Newsom said at a news conference discussing the legislation.
