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Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy with a rapid-fire series of posts on Truth Social, where he shared 56 messages within a single hour containing false claims about Walmart’s operations in California and Governor Gavin Newsom’s alleged criminal connections.
In one post, Trump claimed Walmart would shut down 85 percent of its 303 California stores due to the state’s “$22 minimum wage.” The assertion was quickly refuted by Walmart, which confirmed all of its California locations remain open with no plans for mass closures related to wage regulations.
Retail industry analysts note that while California’s minimum wage is higher than the federal standard, major retailers like Walmart have successfully adapted to regional labor laws through operational adjustments rather than store closures. The company’s scale and profitability allow it to navigate various regulatory environments across different states.
Trump’s claim also mischaracterized California’s minimum wage implementation, which is being phased in gradually by sector rather than applied universally and immediately across the state. This gradual approach is specifically designed to give businesses time to adjust without forcing sudden operational changes.
In another post, Trump shared an AI-generated video that made explosive allegations against Governor Newsom, falsely claiming he was operating a drug-money laundering operation in partnership with Mexican cartels. The video portrayed the governor’s office as a center for illegal activities, comparing Newsom to notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Law enforcement agencies and independent fact-checkers have found no evidence supporting these claims. Governor Newsom’s office responded directly to the allegations, stating: “Walmart’s 303 stores in California are open. The AI robot is lying. Governor Newsom is not Pablo Escobar.”
The Governor’s Press Office expressed disbelief at the nature of the attacks, adding: “We cannot believe this is real life. And we truly cannot believe this man has the nuclear codes. Deep breaths, everyone. Three more years.”
This exchange highlights the increasingly contentious relationship between Trump and Newsom, who have clashed repeatedly over policy differences. As governor of America’s most populous state, Newsom has emerged as a prominent Democratic voice and critic of Trump’s policies, while Trump has frequently targeted California’s governance on issues ranging from environmental regulation to immigration.
Their public feud intensified during immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, when Trump deployed federal troops and National Guard forces without obtaining the governor’s approval. Newsom condemned this as federal overreach and initiated legal challenges against what he viewed as violations of state sovereignty.
Political analysts suggest Trump’s recent social media barrage may be strategically timed as Newsom’s national profile grows. The California governor is increasingly mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential contender for 2028, and some observers view these attacks as an attempt to undermine a rising political opponent ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The incident also highlights ongoing concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms and the potential impact of AI-generated content in political discourse. Despite quick fact-checking and corrections, false claims can reach millions of users before being debunked, creating lasting impressions that may influence public opinion regardless of their accuracy.
As social media continues to serve as a primary communication channel for political figures, the responsibility for verifying information before sharing remains a critical issue for platforms, politicians, and voters alike.
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10 Comments
While Trump’s posts raise questions about the impact of California’s minimum wage, the evidence suggests Walmart has been able to adjust its operations rather than resorting to mass store closures. It’s important to rely on credible sources, not unsubstantiated claims.
Absolutely. Retailers like Walmart have demonstrated the ability to navigate different state regulations through operational changes, not wholesale store closures.
It’s concerning to see such rapid-fire posts from a former president containing false claims, especially about major retailers and state regulations. We should be wary of unverified statements, even from high-profile figures.
Agreed. Fact-checking and responsible reporting are crucial to counter the spread of misinformation, regardless of the source.
While Trump raises concerns about the impact of California’s minimum wage on businesses, the gradual implementation approach appears designed to give companies time to adjust. It’s important to look at the facts rather than unsubstantiated claims.
Good point. Walmart’s response confirms the company has been able to adapt its operations rather than shutting down stores in California due to the minimum wage.
Interesting claims from Trump, but it seems his statements about Walmart shuttering 85% of its CA stores over the minimum wage are unfounded. Major retailers like Walmart have shown they can adapt to regional labor laws through operational changes, not mass closures.
You’re right, the evidence doesn’t support Trump’s claims. Walmart has the scale and profitability to navigate different state regulations without resorting to store closures.
Trump’s rapid-fire posts with unverified claims about Walmart and California’s minimum wage are concerning. However, the facts indicate major retailers can adapt to regional labor laws without resorting to mass store closures. We should be wary of misinformation, even from high-profile figures.
Well said. Fact-checking and relying on credible sources is crucial to counter the spread of misinformation, regardless of the source.