In a late‑night social media blitz, US President Donald Trump posted 56 times on Truth Social within the span of just one hour, including multiple claims about California and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Among the most prominent posts was a claim that Walmart would shut down 85 per cent of its California stores because of the state’s purported USD 22 minimum wage policy, a figure widely circulated on social media but not reflective of official data.
Another post featured an AI‑generated video alleging that Newsom was involved in a drug‑money laundering scheme with a Mexican cartel, depicting the governor’s office as a hub of organised crime.
Trump also circulated posts targeting former President Barack Obama and Governor Newsom, and promoted new footage that appears to show Minneapolis shooting victim Alex Pretti in a confrontation with federal agents days before he was fatally shot.
Newsom’s Response
Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office took to X to directly challenge the claims, writing: “Just to clarify: Walmart’s 303 stores in California are open. The AI robot is lying. Governor Newsom is not Pablo Escobar.” The statement added, “We cannot believe we have to say any of this out loud… And we truly cannot believe this man has the nuclear codes. Deep breaths, everyone. Three more years.”
The posts are the latest in an escalating public feud between Trump and Newsom over policy and politics. The two leaders have repeatedly clashed on issues ranging from state economic management to immigration and federal authority.
What Walmart actually said
Contrary to the posts, Walmart has not announced any plan to close its California locations. As of now, all of the retail giant’s 303 stores in the state remain open and fully functioning.
There is no evidence linking store closures to minimum wage laws, and analysts note that major retail chains routinely adapt pay and scheduling to comply with local labour regulations without resorting to mass shutdowns.
Independent checks and the company’s operational footprint show that the claim about store closures is unfounded.
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