Gov. Gavin Newsom Warns Trump Administration “Laying Groundwork” to Undermine Prop 50 Vote

SACRAMENTO — In a new interview with KQED, California Governor Gavin Newsom accused the Trump administration of “laying the groundwork” to question the legitimacy of the state’s recent Proposition 50 vote, warning that political interference could undermine public trust in California’s electoral process.

“We’re seeing a dangerous pattern — attempts to cast doubt before facts are even known,” Newsom told KQED. “California’s elections are secure, transparent, and verified. Any effort to delegitimize that process is an attack on democracy itself.”

Proposition 50, which centers on government transparency and legislative accountability, passed narrowly in a contentious statewide vote earlier this month. While federal officials have not issued any formal challenge, Newsom’s remarks signal growing tension between Sacramento and Washington.

The governor’s comments come amid rising concerns about misinformation surrounding ballot initiatives and federal overreach in state election oversight.

Neither the Trump administration nor the Department of Justice responded immediately to requests for comment.