In a striking political forecast, California Governor Gavin Newsom has projected what he believes will be the fate of Donald Trump's presidency following the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. During an interview on "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" on MS NOW, the Democratic governor offered a blunt assessment of Trump's tenure and the potential shift in power dynamics.
Newsom's Bold Declaration on Trump's Future
When asked by host Jen Psaki about recent discontent among Trump's MAGA base over issues like the handling of Epstein-related documents and tariff policies, Newsom did not hold back. He asserted that Trump's presidency will "de facto end" in November 2026 if the Democratic Party secures electoral victories. "Even if [Trump and his supporters] fell out, he's the president of the United States for the next three years. Good news, he's temporary. That's just three years," Newsom stated. "And the presidency as we know it will de facto end this November when we get the gavel back and Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries becomes the next speaker, as long as we remain vigilant."
Accusations of Election Suppression Tactics
Newsom went further to criticize Trump's approach to the midterms, accusing him of employing "suppression tactics" to influence outcomes. He detailed these alleged strategies, including:
- Nationalizing federal elections to centralize control.
- Vandalizing the principles of free and fair elections.
- Targeting the vote-by-mail process to restrict access.
- Deploying masked federal agents across the country to intimidate voters.
"He's a reality, and we can't turn our back to that reality," Newsom emphasized, underscoring the need for vigilance against what he perceives as threats to democratic norms.
Concerns Over Epstein Files and Presidential Power
The conversation shifted to a recent NPR report alleging that the Justice Department withheld over 50 Epstein files related to Trump. Newsom called the story "pretty damn alarming" and suggested Trump had a personal motive for keeping the documents secret. "There's a reason he's single-handedly worked so hard to make sure they were never released ... Period," he remarked. When Psaki pressed for specifics, Newsom replied that the reason is "to be determined," but expressed deeper worries about transparency and accountability.
Newsom painted a grim picture of potential post-presidency actions, envisioning Trump "pardoning half the damn administration" and allowing "things disappearing" on his way out. "We need to be mindful of that. We need to be vigilant of that. This is the rule of Don. It's the rule of the jungle. There's no rule of law," he warned. He also criticized Trump's view of governmental checks and balances, stating, "The courts are speed bumps [to Trump], they're not stop signs. He tries to work around them. He doesn't believe in coequal branches of government."
Earlier Criticisms and Broader Implications
Earlier in the interview, Newsom described Trump as a "broken man" who, in his view, attempted to "break our country." This characterization aligns with his broader critique of Trump's leadership style and its impact on American institutions. Newsom's comments reflect ongoing tensions within the political landscape, highlighting concerns about election integrity, presidential overreach, and the potential for obscured justice in high-profile cases.
As the 2026 midterms approach, Newsom's predictions and warnings serve as a rallying cry for Democratic vigilance, emphasizing the stakes involved in maintaining democratic processes and oversight. His remarks underscore a pivotal moment in U.S. politics, where the outcome of upcoming elections could reshape the presidency's operational reality.
