🚨 Gavin Newsom Accused of Spreading False Claims About White House Highway Shutdown Amid Anti-Trump Protest

SACRAMENTO, CA — California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism after allegedly spreading false information on Wednesday regarding the White House and a highway shutdown during an anti-Trump protest. Critics say the governor’s claims were an apparent attempt to smear Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance ahead of the upcoming elections.

The Alleged Misinformation

Newsom tweeted and made public statements claiming that the White House had ordered closures of major highways to accommodate protests against former President Donald Trump. According to eyewitness reports and official statements from the U.S. Secret Service, no such closures were mandated by federal authorities, and traffic disruptions were limited to local streets managed by municipal police departments.

“This is a clear attempt to mislead the public and tie a political opponent to an imagined act of federal overreach,” said Jason Whitman, a spokesperson for Vance’s campaign.

The incident reportedly occurred during a demonstration against Trump, attended by a few hundred protesters. Despite Newsom’s assertions, there was no federal action shutting down highways, and multiple local media outlets confirmed that any traffic delays were minor and entirely local in scope.

Political Backlash

Republicans seized on Newsom’s statements as an example of political manipulation and misinformation. Several conservative lawmakers and media commentators argued that the governor was attempting to paint Vance as complicit in federal overreach or instability, despite the lack of evidence.

“Spreading false claims to influence an election is unacceptable,” said Sen. Mark Kelly, who has publicly condemned political misinformation. “Voters deserve facts, not partisan theatrics.”

Democrats defending Newsom argue that his statements were meant to draw attention to the protest and broader concerns about public safety, not as a deliberate attack on Vance. Nevertheless, critics point out that timing and context strongly suggest a political motive, coming just weeks before key primary and Senate elections.

Impact on Public Trust

Analysts warn that incidents like these erode public trust in government communications. By presenting misleading claims as facts, elected officials risk fostering confusion and partisan tension at a time when political polarization is already high.

“This is exactly the type of behavior that makes Americans skeptical of what politicians say,” said Laura Simmons, a political analyst at the University of California. “Even small misstatements can have outsized consequences when amplified across social media and news outlets.”

The Next Steps

J.D. Vance’s campaign has called for a formal clarification and apology from Newsom. Meanwhile, fact-checking organizations and independent media are documenting the discrepancies between Newsom’s statements and verified reports from federal and local authorities.

“The voters deserve the truth,” said Whitman. “It’s time for Governor Newsom to correct the record and stop using misinformation as a political weapon.”

As the election cycle heats up, observers expect this controversy to fuel debates over political messaging, misinformation, and accountability, highlighting the stakes for candidates and voters alike.