‘What’s up his sleeve’: Internet speculates as Governor Gavin Newsom thwarts effort to block Donald Trump from California ballot

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom threw cold water over efforts to block former President Donald Trump from getting on the ballot in his state, warning that it could be a “political distraction".

On Tuesday, December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court barred the 77-year-old front-runner for the GOP nomination from the state’s presidential primary ballot for 2024.

In a 4-3 ruling, the court ruled that Trump is ineligible to serve as US president due to his actions of inciting the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021

Following the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling, California Lieutenant Gov. Eleni Kounalakis also called on her state’s Secretary of State 'to explore every legal option' to block Trump from appearing on the state’s ballots in 2024.

“I urge you to explore every legal option to remove former President Donald Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot,” Kounalakis wrote to Secretary of State Shirley Weber.

“This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of our democracy,” she added, speaking of the Colorado ruling.

Additionally, a group of Democratic state legislators urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to use his power to hasten a ruling on whether Trump was ineligible to appear on the ballot, according to Politico.

What did Newsom say about efforts to block Trump?

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, December 22, Governor Gavin Newsom warned fellow Democrats in California not to get ahead of the US Supreme Court, which will almost certainly be the final arbiter of that decision.

“There is no doubt that Donald Trump is a threat to our liberties and even to our democracy,” Newsom said Friday in a statement, which was first reported by Politico.

“But in California, we defeat candidates at the polls. Everything else is a political distraction,” the statement continued.

Much like Newsom, activists and other Democrats have been cautious about the most recent Colorado verdict. The Democratic presidential nominee, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who is running against Biden, stated that it is "wrong" to exclude Trump from the ballot.

“Do I believe Trump is guilty of inspiring an insurrection and doing nothing to stop it? I was there. Absolutely,” Phillips wrote on X, adding “Do I believe it’s wrong to ban him from the ballot in Colorado without a conviction? Absolutely. Do I believe the SCOTUS must opine immediately? Absolutely.”

Internet reacts to Gavin Newsom’s remarks

Newsom’s remarks over efforts to block Trump from the California ballot have sparked mixed reactions among social media users, with one saying, "Hmmmm, what’s up his sleeve?”

“Maybe he should tell his Lt governor. This is just him positioning himself to seem fair when he jumps in the race,” the second user wrote.

“It's just pandering. LOL, I'll be surprised if this actually goes through,” a third user mocked.

“Rare good decision from Gavin, but probably just because he doesn't want to seem like a complete dictator before they boot Biden out and usher him in,” the fourth user suggested.

“Gavin is a family friend, so even if their politics are crossed, he is going to stick up for Trump on this,” the fifth user alleged.

Another user wrote, “Just positioning himself to seem fair, when he hops in the race here soon."

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.