California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is raising alarm over what he claims could be voter intimidation in next year’s midterm elections, suggesting, without offering evidence, that President Donald Trump might deploy ICE agents to polling locations “to chill participation.”
Newsom made the remarks during a podcast interview with tech journalist Kara Swisher, where he portrayed Trump as seeking to control U.S. elections for decades.
“We have to recognize that there are no limits with this guy. If he could rig next year’s election … I mean, we joke about not having another [election], I don’t think that’s a joke. He will wire this for the next 20 to 30 years. If it’s a JD … it doesn’t even matter,” Newsom claimed. “He will wire it.”
The California governor specifically warned that Trump might use government personnel to intimidate voters. “He’s already sending out masked people to intimidate folks.
When we launched our campaign, did it down in Little Tokyo in LA — do you think ICE is not going to show up around voting and polling booths to chill participation? And you know that — the National Guard — you know that,” Newsom said.
While Newsom did not provide evidence for his assertions, his comments reflect broader fears from some Democrats that Trump could take extreme measures to influence elections, even as legal and constitutional safeguards are in place, per Breitbart News.
There is no indication that ICE, the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, has plans to monitor or operate at polling stations during elections.
Newsom also touched on Trump’s potential future political ambitions, claiming that the former president intends to run for office in 2028, despite the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits anyone from serving more than two terms as president.
“I don’t think Donald Trump wants another election … I have two dozen Trump 2028 hats his folks keep sending me,” Newsom told Politico. “… this is serious, guys. This is serious.”
He continued, suggesting that Trump’s behavior and the presence of merchandise promoting a 2028 campaign should be interpreted as a sign of intent.
“You think when he brings foreign leaders to the Oval Office and he goes to the White House store — have you seen this? Anyone? Is it just me? — and he shows them the 2028 hats, he’s not being serious? Wake up. You will lose your country,” Newsom warned.
The governor’s comments come amid ongoing debates about election security, voter access, and federal overreach in state elections. While claims of potential voter intimidation are serious, they are also highly politicized, particularly when made without substantiating evidence.
Experts emphasize that federal agencies operating at polling locations is both unusual and legally restricted, making Newsom’s predictions speculative at best.
