Gavin Newsom challenges 'TACO' Trump in redistricting fight, says 'California will draw new maps'

WASHINGTON, DC: California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday, August 12, called on President Donald Trump to stand down and help end the nationwide redistricting battle.

Newsom accused Trump of missing the deadline to halt what he described as “illegal, crooked maps” being pushed in Republican-led states to manipulate upcoming elections.

He warned that if the GOP continues its efforts, California will respond with a historic counter-move that could spell the end of Trump’s political reign and pave the way for Democrats to retake the House.

Gavin Newsom warns Donald Trump to stop pushing for partisan redistricting

Gavin Newsom, widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has emerged as the leading Democratic voice opposing Texas Republicans’ efforts to redraw congressional maps in favor of the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms. 

Traditionally, redistricting occurs once every ten years following the census, not mid-decade. In response to the GOP’s move, Newsom announced plans to push back by redrawing California’s maps to counterbalance potential Republican gains in Texas. 

In a mocking post on X, written in all caps and echoing Trump’s online style, Newsom declared, "Donald 'Taco' Trump, as many call him, “missed” the deadline! California will now draw new, more 'beautiful maps.' They will be historic, as they will end the Trump presidency (Dems take back the House!). Big press conference this week with powerful Dems and Gavin Newsom — your favorite governor — that will be devastating for 'MAGA.' Thank you for your attention to this matter! — GN."

This comes after Newsom continued issuing similar social media warnings and teased a major press conference this week.

In a fiery tweet styled to imitate Trump’s tone, Newsom wrote, “Donald Trump, the lowest-polling president in recent history, this is your second-to-last warning! (The next one is the last one!). Stand down now, or California will counter strike (legally!) to destroy your illegal, crooked maps in red states. Press conference coming soon — hosted by America’s favorite governor, Gavin Newsom. Final warning next. You won’t like it! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

In another tweet written in all caps Newsom’s office summed up the message, “Donald Trump, if you do not stand down, we’ll be forced to lead an effort to redraw the maps in CA to offset the rigging of maps in red states. But if the other states call off their redistricting efforts, we’ll do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

On Monday, he released a public letter to Trump demanding that he urge red states, especially Texas, to halt their “unprecedented, mid-decade hyper-partisan gerrymander to rig the upcoming midterm elections, to stop those efforts.” Newsom warned that if Trump and GOP-led states proceed, California would respond in kind.

Gavin Newsom's warning tweets to Donald Trump spark mix of reactions online

Gavin Newsom's Trump-style warning tweets quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and thousands of comments online. The posts sparked a mix of strong reactions from both supporters and critics.

One user urged immediate action, saying, "No more warnings! No more second, third, and fourth chances. Move forward with this!"

Another commenter skeptically added, "Pretty sure this violates the California constitution but don’t let that stop you."

Supporters chimed in as well, with one writing, "I'm with Governor Newsom. 😃"

However, critics were quick to push back. One asked, "Why you yelling? California is already blue and you are already a failure."

Another questioned Newsom’s motives: "You don't like what someone in another state is doing so you decide to fvkk over your OWN constituents? WTF is wrong with you?"

Some responses were even more pointed. A user called Newsom "a clown and a carnival barker," while another wrote, "This is pretty sad and cringe."

One commenter argued, "You can't gerryrig your districts anymore. You done did max that option out. You lose again."

Another critic declared, "Our least favorite governor. Gavin doesn't care what the people think."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.