Trump on Truth social: Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!! President DJT
TL;DR
Trump claimed on Truth Social that Gavin Newsom dropped out of the presidential race, but Newsom has not formally ruled out a 2028 bid, with his recent statements and actions fueling speculation about his political ambitions.
Trump on Truth social: Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!! President DJT
Trump Claims Newsom Dropped Presidential Bid; Governor's Ambitions Remain Unclear
President Donald Trump recently asserted on Truth Social that California Gov. Gavin Newsom "just dropped out of the Presidential Race," a claim that contradicts recent public statements from Newsom, who has not formally ruled out a 2028 White House bid.
Newsom's potential presidential aspirations have been a topic of speculation for years. While he previously dismissed the idea with firm denials— stating in 2021 that he had "sub-zero interest" in the role—his tone has shifted in recent months. In a June 2025 Wall Street Journal interview, Newsom acknowledged the possibility, saying, "it's a path that I could see unfold," though he emphasized no immediate decision. According to reports, his recent media appearances, including a high-profile CNN address criticizing Trump's deployment of military troops to Los Angeles, have further fueled speculation about his political trajectory.
Trump's assertion of Newsom's withdrawal appears at odds with the governor's public activity. Newsom has continued to engage in national political discourse, including fact-checking Trump's recent Truth Social posts, which falsely accused California of hosting a "drug cartel" and misleading claims about Walmart's operations. As reported, the two leaders have a history of public clashes, including during the 2024 Munich Security Conference, where Newsom accused Trump of fostering an "age of authoritarianism" (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-blasts-aoc-gavin-newsom-125742154.html).
Analysts note that Newsom's political strategy remains focused on elevating his national profile. Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, has described Newsom's recent remarks as a "home run" in framing his opposition to Trump as a defense of democracy. According to analysis, however, a December 2024 poll indicated that over half of California voters believe Newsom prioritizes presidential ambitions over state governance.
As of February 2026, Newsom has not issued a definitive statement confirming or denying a 2028 campaign. His representatives have declined to comment on the shift in tone, leaving the governor's intentions ambiguous.
Trump's claim, while unverified, underscores the ongoing tension between the two leaders and highlights the fluid nature of the 2028 presidential landscape.
For investors and observers, the lack of clarity underscores the importance of monitoring Newsom's public statements and any formal announcements in the coming months.
