Fact Check: Is Trump's claim Gavin Newsom dropped out of presidential race true?
WASHINGTON, DC: As California Governor Gavin Newsom is about to launch a book tour, which is widely seen as a prelude to a presidential run, President Donald Trump has claimed that Newsom has dropped out of the race. The claim is going viral, with many appearing to believe it to be true. Let us analyze and fact-check the viral rumor.
Claim: Gavin Newsom has dropped out of the presidential race
Taking to his Truth Social account, President Trump on Monday, February 23, claimed that Gavin Newsom has dropped out of the presidential race.
Trump stated, “Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!! President DJT.”
Trump’s post has been widely circulated across social media platforms, garnering millions of views within a short span of time.
Fact Check: Gavin Newsom has not even declared a presidential run
WOW. THE PRESIDENT IS SUNDOWNING HARDER THAN USUAL TONIGHT!!! — GOVERNOR GCN https://t.co/bHaXaR8Nhu
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 24, 2026
However, there is no official confirmation from Newsom that he has dropped out of the race. Moreover, Newsom hasn't even declared that he's running yet. Hence, the claim is rated as untrue.
In response to Trump’s claim, Newsom’s press office tweeted, “WOW. THE PRESIDENT IS SUNDOWNING HARDER THAN USUAL TONIGHT!!! — GOVERNOR GCN.”
This reaction sarcastically suggests that Trump appeared confused or mentally unsound.
Trump’s post came at a time when Newsom is launching a book tour widely seen as a prelude to a presidential run.
In his recent interview on CNN, he discussed the possibility of running against former Vice President Kamala Harris, but did not confirm it, although he has openly expressed interest in running for president in 2028.
Gavin Newsom says family will decide on White House run
Newsom also said that his family will determine whether he runs for the White House.
“My son, Romeo, was very powerful, texted me a few months ago, and there was some headline that suggested that I made some decision, and he goes, ‘Dad, are you running [for] president?’” Newsom told CNN’s Dana Bash on 'State of the Union.'
‘I said, ‘No, we’ll do [the] decision as a family.’ He goes, ‘You can’t.’ I said, ‘Why?’ He goes, ’I’m too young. You need to spend more time with us,'” he added. “I mean, how do you deal with that one?”
