President Trump posted on Truth Social Monday evening that California Governor Gavin Newsom had "dropped out of the presidential race," even though Newsom has never officially declared his candidacy.
"Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!!" President Trump wrote.
Newsom's Response
Governor Newsom's communications team responded on X with a sharply critical message aimed at President Trump.
Currently, Newsom has not announced a White House campaign. However, speculation has grown as he has appeared at numerous national events and promoted his new memoir.
Origin of the Dispute
President Trump's remarks came after an online spat involving the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom – the wife of California's Governor – commented that the athletes "prefer arenas where women are truly respected," after President Trump joked that he might be impeached if he didn't invite both the championship men's and women's teams to the White House.
Newsom on Potential Candidacy
Speaking to CNN earlier, Newsom stated that the decision to run for office depends on his family.
"There are five people who could stop me," he said, referring to his wife and four children. He affirmed that all decisions would be made as a unified family.
When asked if his family would support a potential presidential bid, he admitted, "it depends on the day."
He recounted one of his children texting him about the rumors of a presidential run. When he said he would decide with the family, the child responded that he needed to spend more time with them.
Political Context
Governor Newsom has recently been building a national profile, engaging in numerous social media debates with President Trump and attending major international events. This continues to fuel speculation about his higher political ambitions.
There has been no official confirmation regarding Newsom's entry into the presidential race.
