Trump Claims Newsom Has Dropped Out of White House Race, Governor Snaps Back

The war of words between the former president and California's governor continues over the US women's Olympic hockey team.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump claimed on social media that California Governor Gavin Newsom has dropped out of the 2028 presidential race, prompting a swift rebuke from Newsom's press team. The online spat follows a back-and-forth between Trump and Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, over the US women's Olympic hockey team's refusal to visit the White House. While Newsom has not officially launched a presidential campaign, speculation has been rife as he promotes his new memoir and tours the country.

Why it matters

The ongoing feud between Trump and Newsom, two high-profile political figures, highlights the continued partisan divisions in the country. Newsom's potential presidential ambitions also raise questions about the future direction of the Democratic party and the potential for a clash between establishment and progressive factions.

The details

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Newsom had "dropped out of the Presidential Race!!!" Newsom's press team quickly responded on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying "WOW. THE PRESIDENT IS SUNDOWNING HARDER THAN USUAL TONIGHT!!!" The exchange followed a back-and-forth between Trump and Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the governor's wife, over the US women's Olympic hockey team's refusal to visit the White House after winning gold. Siebel Newsom mocked Trump, writing that the athletes "prefer arenas where women are actually respected!"

  • On Monday night, February 24, 2026, Trump posted his claim about Newsom dropping out of the presidential race on Truth Social.
  • Newsom's press team responded to Trump's claim on X, formerly known as Twitter, the same night.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, known for his active social media presence and ongoing feuds with political opponents.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, who has been building a national profile and is rumored to be considering a run for the presidency in 2028.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom

The wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who engaged in a war of words with former President Trump over the US women's Olympic hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“WOW. THE PRESIDENT IS SUNDOWNING HARDER THAN USUAL TONIGHT!!!”

— Newsom's press team (X (formerly Twitter)

“Clearly they prefer arenas where women are actually respected! As they should.”

— Jennifer Siebel Newsom (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.