California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat) warned this week that Americans may never get the chance to vote in another election. Speaking at a Sacramento summit, he expressed doubt that Donald Trump would allow future democratic contests.
"I don't think Donald Trump wants another election," Newsom said. "This guy doesn't believe in free, fair elections." The governor warned that Trump's talk of extending his presidency into an unconstitutional third term should be taken seriously.
Trump has been selling "Trump 2028" merchandise in the White House gift shop, including hats and other items promoting a third presidential term. The products are displayed to visiting dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Presidential power claims
Trump made sweeping assertions about presidential authority during a televised cabinet meeting this week. "I have the right to do anything I want, I'm the President of the United States," he told reporters when discussing plans to deploy National Guard troops in American cities.
"The line is that I'm a dictator," Trump said of his critics. "But I stop crime. So a lot of people say 'you know, if that's the case, I'd rather have a dictator'."
Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff, escalated rhetoric against Democrats this week. He called the Democratic Party "a domestic extremist organisation" devoted to defending "hardened criminals, gangbangers, and illegal alien killers and terrorists."
Constitutional challenges emerge
Steve Bannon, Trump's former adviser, suggested the President has "several options" to serve a third term. Some Republicans propose having Vice President JD Vance run in 2028, then immediately resign to restore Trump to office.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook filed a lawsuit against Trump on Thursday. She accused him of "unprecedented and illegal" activity aimed at undermining the central bank's independence after Trump claimed to have "fired" her over unproven mortgage fraud allegations.
Political confrontation intensifies
Newsom has been using his social media platforms to systematically challenge Trump, prompting supporters to send him dozens of "Trump 2028" hats. "The rule of law is being replaced by the rule of Don," the governor insisted.
The California governor has started fundraising with a dramatic message to Democrats about the stakes involved. "God help us if we're not successful," he wrote to potential donors.
Sources used: "The i" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
