Rules don't apply to him: Gavin Newsom warns Trump will run for third term

California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump on Thursday, warning that the Republican leader’s political manoeuvres could open the door to an unprecedented third term in office.

Speaking at the Japanese American Museum in Los Angeles, Newsom announced a special statewide election for November 4 to decide on a mid-decade redistricting plan. The measure, he said, was designed to protect California’s congressional representation as Republican-led states pursue maps that could tilt elections in their favour.

The move comes in response to redistricting pushes in Texas, Florida, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri -- all Republican-controlled states -- that could cement GOP dominance in key congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.

'WAKE UP, AMERICA'

The California Governor accused Trump of orchestrating a campaign to manipulate the electoral map, undermine democratic institutions and potentially remain in power beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.

"About the fact that we’re affirming our independent commission -- and we’re calling for a national independent commission as well," Newsom said.

"What’s next to the ICE action? Well, I think it’s pretty sick and pathetic, and it just says everything you need to know about the setting we’re in -- that they chose the time, manner and place to send their district director outside right when we’re about to have this press conference."

"It says everything you need to know about Donald Trump’s America — and that was top down. You know that for a fact. They’ll deny it, I’m sure. Maybe they won’t deny it. But it says everything you need to know about the authoritarian tendencies of the president of the United States," he continued.

"Wake up, America, wake up. You will not have a country if he rigs this election. You will have a president who will be running for a third term. Mark my words -- I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that. I received in the mail a Trump 2028 hat from one of his biggest supporters. These guys are not screwing around. The rules do not apply to him. The most corrupt president in history doesn’t believe in free enterprise — it’s crony capitalism." he added.

Newsom framed California’s special election as a direct countermeasure to what he called Trump’s “anti-American” tactics. He alleged that the president and his allies were engaged in gerrymandering to shield themselves from voter backlash and to retain unchallenged political influence.

FEDERAL AGENTS STAGE APPARENT RAID

The governor’s press conference faced an unexpected move when federal agents appeared outside the venue. According to Newsom, US Border Patrol officers arrived in the Little Tokyo neighbourhood while he and other Democratic leaders — including Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senator Alex Padilla -- were addressing the media.

Newsom’s team posted about the incident online, mimicking Trump’s well-known social media style: “BORDER PATROL HAS SHOWED UP AT OUR BIG BEAUTIFUL PRESS CONFERENCE! WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!”

US Border Patrol Sector Commander Gregory Bovino told KNBC-TV the agency was conducting roving immigration enforcement patrols in the area and confirmed that one individual had been detained for being in the country illegally.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, also present at the event, alleging the timing was deliberate. "There’s no way this was a coincidence," she told reporters.

- Ends