California Governor Gavin Newsom ramps up attacks on President Trump, labeling him “toast” ahead of midterms while ignoring his state’s crises under failed leftist policies.
Story Snapshot
- Newsom taunts Trump on Jimmy Kimmel, predicting GOP midterm wipeout and citing Jan. 6 as Trump drags down Republicans.
- Amid Trump’s successful immigration crackdowns, including 1,500% arrest surge in San Diego, Newsom sues federal government over deportations.
- RNC fires back, urging Newsom to fix California’s homelessness and fentanyl disasters instead of Hollywood auditions for 2028.
- Prop 50 redistricting battle could flip California House seats, validating Trump’s federal enforcement strategy.
Newsom’s Late-Night Assault on Trump
On March 3, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and declared President Trump “historically unpopular” and “toast,” predicting he would drag the GOP into a midterm wipeout. Newsom referenced January 6 events and redistricting fights to bolster his narrative. This attack promotes his new book “Young Man in a Hurry” and fuels 2028 presidential speculation as his term ends. Such rhetoric distracts from California’s governance failures that frustrate everyday Americans.
Escalating Federal-State Clash Over Immigration
President Trump’s 2025 return intensified conflicts with Newsom. Federal authorities federalized the California National Guard for immigration raids, later returned by court order in February 2026. ICE surges yielded a 1,500% arrest increase in San Diego under Operation Metro Surge. Newsom sued the federal government, decrying “terrorizing” raids while California seized 34,357 pounds of fentanyl since 2021, valued at $506 million. These enforcement wins protect American communities from illegal immigration’s harms.
Newsom held a San Diego presser in early March 2026, highlighting drug seizures against Trump’s policies. Protests followed raids in El Centro and Los Angeles, disrupting families and sparking lawsuits. RNC spokesperson Kiersten Pels countered that Newsom should address California’s “disaster” status rather than audition nationally. Trump’s approach upholds law and order, countering open-border chaos from prior administrations.
Redistricting and Midterm Stakes
California’s Proposition 50 passed in November 2025, aiming to alter House district maps amid Trump-backed pushes from Texas. Newsom raised $120 million for the measure, warning of voter purges. This battle could flip seats, aiding Republican midterm gains. On February 25, Newsom told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki that Trump’s influence ends soon. Such predictions ignore policy successes like fentanyl reductions and border security.
The feud traces to Trump’s first term over immigration, wildfires, and oil drilling. Newsom positions as a resistance leader, criticizing Trump as “reckless.” Trump allies highlight California’s homelessness and crime under Newsom. Ongoing raids continue quietly, straining federal-state relations but advancing national security.
Implications for Conservatives and 2028
Newsom’s attacks heighten midterm rhetoric, positioning him as a 2028 Democratic frontrunner per Politico. They entrench divides on immigration, with economic impacts from seizures aiding public safety. Protests cause unrest, but RNC views this as a policy referendum favoring Trump. Conservatives see validation in federal power restoring order against sanctuary state overreach. Limited data on direct Trump responses underscores Newsom’s one-sided offensive.
Sources:
Newsom predicts Trump is ‘toast,’ will drag GOP into midterm wipeout – Fox News
Newsom-Trump tensions over immigration and drugs – CalMatters
