Trump Posts 56 Times in One Hour, Targeting Newsom With False Claims About Cartel and Walmart Closures

President Donald Trump posted 56 times on Truth Social in the space of just one hour, spreading claims about Walmart and Governor Gavin Newsom that were demonstrably false.

In one post, he alleged that Walmart would close 85 per cent of its California stores due to the state's $22 (£18) minimum wage, while another shared an AI-generated video accusing Newsom of operating a drug-money laundering operation with the Mexican cartel.

Independent fact-checkers and the companies involved quickly debunked both claims, but Newsom pushes back on what's true on Trump's claims, saying 'We cannot believe we have to say any of this out loud'.

False Claims About Walmart Closure in California

One of Trump's posts claimed that Walmart would close 85 per cent of its 303 stores in California because of the state's $22 (£18) minimum wage. The post saw the wage policy as 'crushing businesses' and implied that workers would soon face widespread job losses.

In reality, Walmart confirmed that all 303 stores in California remain open, with no planned closures linked to wages. Analysts say the allegation exaggerates the economic effect of the $22 (£18) minimum wage, which is higher than the federal minimum but still manageable for major retail chains.

Walmart has previously adjusted pay and scheduling to accommodate local labour laws, but closing stores would be unnecessary given the company's profitability and scale.

Experts also note that Trump's post misrepresents the timing of wage increases. California's $22 (£18) minimum wage is being phased in gradually across sectors, not implemented suddenly in a way that would force mass shutdowns.

AI Video Targeting Newsom as Pablo Escobar

Another post from Trump featured an AI-generated video in which a robot accused Newsom of operating a drug-money laundering scheme from the Governor's Office in collaboration with the Mexican cartel. The video depicted the governor's office as a hub for illegal activity, linking him directly to organised crime.

There is no evidence to support these claims. Law enforcement agencies, federal investigators, and independent fact-checkers have confirmed that Governor Newsom has no connections to drug cartels, and the allegations appear to be entirely fabricated for dramatic effect.

In Newsom's press office post, he clarified,' Walmart's 303 stores in California are open. The AI robot is lying. Governor Newsom is not Pablo Escobar'.

Social media users also reacted with disbelief, resonating with Newsom's team's own words', We cannot believe this is real life. And we truly cannot believe this man has the nuclear codes. Deep breaths, everyone. Three more years'.

Trump x Newsom's Feud

Trump and Newsom have been at each other's throats over big partisan and policy differences. Newsom, a prominent Democratic governor of the US's most populous state, has consistently criticised Trump's policies, while Trump has repeatedly attacked Newsom's leadership and policy choices.

The two have clashed over wildfire aid, water management, and economic management, with Trump threatening to withhold federal support unless California made changes. Newsom has since viewed many of Trump's claims as misinformation and politically motivated attacks.

The feud recently intensified during immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles. Trump deployed federal troops and the National Guard without Newsom's approval, a move the governor condemned as an overreach and a breach of state sovereignty. Newsom even pursued legal action against the federal government over the deployments.

Newsom has positioned himself as a leading Democratic voice and potential 2028 presidential contender. Critics in the comments suggest it's one of Trump's many attempts to defame a candidate from a political party that is slowly gaining trust in polls ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.