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In a swift response to a series of misleading social media posts, both Walmart and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office have categorically denied claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding store closures in the state.
Trump recently sparked controversy on his Truth Social platform by sharing a video and text alleging that Governor Newsom was “in panic” because Walmart was closing more than 250 stores across California. The retail giant promptly refuted these assertions.
“This isn’t accurate information,” a Walmart spokesperson told CNN. “In fact, we actually just recently opened a new store in California.” The company continues to operate approximately 303 stores throughout the state, with no plans for the mass closures claimed in Trump’s posts.
Governor Newsom’s press office responded with uncharacteristic bluntness, highlighting the volume and nature of Trump’s social media activity. “In the last 60 minutes, the President has posted 56 times on Truth Social,” the office stated in a tweet. The post then detailed two particularly questionable claims, including one that falsely stated Walmart was closing 85% of California stores due to a “$22 minimum wage.”
The governor’s office also referenced another post featuring what they described as “an AI-generated video in which a robot accuses Governor Newsom of running a drug-money laundering scheme out of the Governor’s Office with the Mexican cartel.”
“Just to clarify: Walmart’s 303 stores in California are open. The AI robot is lying. Governor Newsom is not Pablo Escobar,” the statement continued, adding, “We cannot believe we have to say any of this out loud. We cannot believe this is real life. And we truly cannot believe this man has the nuclear codes.”
This public dispute follows recent critical comments by Newsom about Trump during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The California governor criticized European leaders for what he characterized as insufficient resistance to Trump’s policies, using particularly strong language to describe the situation.
“People are rolling over. I should have brought a bunch of kneepads for all the world leaders. It’s just pathetic,” Newsom was quoted as saying in Time magazine. He further advised that “the Europeans should decide for themselves what to do, but one thing they can’t do is what they’ve been doing. They’ve been played.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and Democratic state leaders, particularly those from California. It also underscores concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, especially when shared by high-profile political figures.
This incident is not isolated, as Trump has frequently posted information later proven to be false or misleading. Critics argue that such posts can confuse the public and damage trust in institutions, while supporters maintain they represent legitimate political commentary.
Walmart, meanwhile, continues its retail operations throughout California despite challenging economic conditions affecting the broader retail sector. The company has been focusing on modernizing its store portfolio and expanding e-commerce capabilities rather than engaging in the significant state-specific withdrawals suggested in Trump’s posts.
The dispute illustrates the increasingly polarized political environment in the United States, where even basic facts about corporate operations can become contested terrain in broader ideological battles between Republican and Democratic leaders.
For California’s economy—the fifth largest in the world if measured as an independent nation—accurate information about major employers and retailers remains crucial for policy planning and economic stability.
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8 Comments
It’s concerning to see such misinformation spreading on social media. I’m glad Walmart and the governor’s office were quick to refute these false claims. It’s important to verify facts, especially when it comes to major businesses and policies.
I’m curious to learn more about the actual state of Walmart’s operations in California. The company’s statement that they recently opened a new store there suggests the situation may be more nuanced than the initial reports indicated.
This episode highlights the importance of critical thinking and not blindly accepting information, even from high-profile sources. Verifying facts and seeking out reliable data should be a priority.
This is a prime example of why it’s important to be skeptical of social media posts, especially from political figures. Fact-checking and relying on official sources is crucial to get the full picture.
I’m glad the governor’s office took the time to directly address and refute the specific claims made in these posts. Transparency and accountability from public officials is important for maintaining trust.
Wow, 56 posts in an hour on Truth Social? That seems excessive and raises questions about the credibility of the information being shared. I appreciate the governor’s office calling out the questionable claims directly.
The retail industry can be complex, with store openings and closures happening regularly. It’s wise to be cautious about sweeping claims of mass closures without verifying the details.
It’s concerning to see political figures making unsubstantiated claims, especially when they involve major employers and the economy. Responsible reporting and fact-checking is essential in these cases.