California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a sharp warning about the future of U.S. democracy, accusing President Donald Trump of fostering authoritarianism and hinting he may not intend to leave office after his term ends. Speaking at a POLITICO event in Sacramento, Newsom claimed Trump has weaponized federal immigration agencies into a “private police force” and questioned whether democratic elections will continue.
Authoritarian Shift Warning
At POLITICO’s “The California Agenda: Sacramento Summit,” Newsom cautioned the nation was “on the precipice” of authoritarianism. He accused Trump of using Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol to serve his interests, calling them “the largest private police force in history.”
Federal Agencies Under Fire
“When they’re done with this, all that funding and that ‘big beautiful betrayal’ allows more resources for this private police force that increasingly is showing a tendency not to swear an oath to the Constitution, but to the president of the United States,” Newsom said. He warned that these agencies could soon be stationed at polling places across the country.
Questioning Future Elections
Newsom went further, openly doubting whether democratic elections would continue under Trump. “I don’t think Donald Trump wants another election,” he said, noting that he has been sent “Trump 2028” hats by supporters. He dismissed those who think talk of a third term is unrealistic as “naive.”
Oval Office Encounter
Recounting his 90-minute Oval Office meeting with Trump in February, Newsom described the president pointing to a painting of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He interpreted it as a signal of Trump’s interest in extending his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit. Trump recently said he would “probably not” run for a third term.
Call for Democratic Resolve
Newsom, considered a potential 2028 candidate, delivered his remarks with a sharp and combative tone. Urging Democrats to “stand tall,” he cited advice from Bill Clinton: “‘Given the choice, the American people always support strong and wrong versus weak or not.’” He added, “We’re losing this country in real time. It’s not bloviation, not exaggeration. It’s happening.”
Social Media Offensive
The governor has also embraced a more aggressive digital strategy, frequently mocking Trump and Republicans on X through memes and AI-generated content. Asked about his role in approving posts, Newsom replied, “We have a ‘Kill Switch.’” He added with a laugh that he was killing “less every day,” signaling a deliberate escalation in online attacks.