One day after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek reelection, President Donald Trump shifted his attention westward and leveled new accusations at California and Governor Gavin Newsom. Speaking through his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed California is “more corrupt than Minnesota” and declared that a federal investigation into fraud in the state had officially begun.
“California, under Governor Gavin Newscum, is more corrupt than Minnesota, if that’s possible??? The Fraud Investigation of California has begun,” Trump wrote in a post Tuesday morning.
The move came just hours after headlines focused on Minnesota’s own growing scandal involving alleged abuse of public programs, particularly a long-running investigation into fraudulent childcare and nonprofit activities involving tens of millions in taxpayer funds. The controversy, which has been under the microscope for months, led to increased pressure on Governor Walz, who was also the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024. He surprised many political observers by stepping aside from the 2025 gubernatorial race, citing the intense political climate and what he described as efforts to weaponize the fraud case against him.
While Walz framed the investigation as a partisan attack, saying Republicans were trying to make Minnesota “a colder, meaner place,” GOP leaders pushed back, saying the accusations were too serious to ignore. On Capitol Hill, several Republican lawmakers argued that the Minnesota situation is a warning sign about poor oversight and mismanagement in Democrat-led states.
Trump, who has been vocal about alleged government waste in blue states, used Walz’s announcement to widen his criticism. In a follow-up post, Trump accused the Minnesota governor of being “caught, redhanded” in what he called “a massive scheme involving tens of billions of taxpayer dollars.” He then warned that similar problems were brewing in California.
President Trump announces fraud investigation into California under Gavin Newsom, declares it “more corrupt than Minnesota” pic.twitter.com/lp98AaLYE6
— America (@america) January 6, 2026
The president’s remarks about California tap into long-standing conservative criticism of the state’s leadership. Republicans have often pointed to high taxes, rising homelessness, and massive spending on public programs as signs that California’s government is overextended and mismanaged. Governor Newsom has frequently clashed with conservative leaders, defending his policies and rejecting accusations of corruption.
Still, a recent report from California’s nonpartisan state auditor added more fuel to the fire. The report placed Newsom’s administration and several major state agencies on a “high-risk” list, citing weak internal controls, poor financial tracking, and the potential for fraud or abuse. While the designation does not confirm wrongdoing, it does raise red flags about how state programs are managed.
BREAKING: TRUMP Launches Fraud Probe—CA More Corrupt Than MN Under Newsom!
Pres. Trump on Truth Social: “California under Gov. Gavin Newscum tops even Minnesota for corruption—FRAUD INVESTIGATION BEGUN. Trump’s DOJ cracks down on the Golden State’s massive scams! Justice… pic.twitter.com/G3PNnPYS7C
— Semper Invictus
BREAKING: TRUMP Launches Fraud Probe—CA More Corrupt Than MN Under Newsom!
(@semperinvictus) Trump’s statement suggests his administration is prepared to investigate California in a more formal capacity, though specific details about what agencies or programs are being reviewed have not been released. His supporters say this is part of a broader push for accountability in how federal and state governments spend public money.
Democrats have criticized Trump’s approach, saying he’s using the Justice Department and other federal agencies to go after political opponents. Newsom, in particular, has dismissed these attacks in the past, calling them distractions and describing California as a model for progressive policy. He has not responded directly to Trump’s most recent posts.
For now, the situation is developing. With investigations already underway in Minnesota and possible new probes in California, the political stakes are rising. Trump’s team appears ready to keep the spotlight on Democratic-led states where large government programs and high spending have created openings for alleged fraud. Whether those allegations lead to more fallout — or become campaign talking points in the next round of elections — remains to be seen.
