President Trump accused California and Minnesota of massive fraud, including election irregularities, labeling their governors ‘crooked.’
As of December 31, 2025, President Donald Trump has publicly accused California and Minnesota of widespread fraud, claiming the states are “tied for first” when including election irregularities. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared there is “more FRAUD in California than there is in Minnesota, if that is even possible,” labeling their governors “crooked” and the states themselves corrupt. The statements have ignited fierce online debate, with hashtags like #TrumpFraudClaims and #ElectionIntegrity trending as supporters rally behind the allegations amid ongoing investigations into state-level scandals.
Trump’s Explosive Truth Social Post
In his post, Trump wrote: “There is more FRAUD in California than there is in Minnesota, if that is even possible. When you add in Election Fraud, then they are tied for first. Two Crooked Governors, two Crooked States!” The message targets Democratic Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Tim Walz of Minnesota, echoing broader Republican criticisms of election processes and welfare programs in these states.
Trump’s comments come amid reports of significant fraud in Minnesota, including an estimated $18 billion in federal welfare funds lost since 2018, with half attributed to fraud. He insinuated California faces even larger issues, potentially exceeding $72 billion in fraud according to some sources.
Context: Minnesota’s Ongoing Fraud Investigations
Minnesota has been under scrutiny for massive fraud schemes, particularly in welfare and child care programs. Federal prosecutors have highlighted cases where funds meant for hungry families and education were exploited. Governor Walz has faced resignation calls amid these revelations, with Trump allies like the Small Business Administration launching statewide probes.
Critics, including Trump, link these issues to broader governance failures, with some tying them to demographic changes and immigration policies.
California in the Crosshairs: Election and Financial Fraud Claims
Trump has long alleged California’s elections are “rigged,” claiming he’d win the state by a landslide if votes were legitimate. He pointed to the state’s heavy reliance on mail-in ballots—over 38 million in recent cycles—as enabling fraud. Governor Newsom has dismissed these accusations as baseless, but conservatives argue California’s fraud dwarfs Minnesota’s, starting “at the top.”
Calls for federal audits of California programs have grown, with estimates suggesting fraud could exceed five times Minnesota’s levels.
Reactions and Political Ramifications
Trump’s statements have galvanized supporters, who see them as a prelude to federal action against blue states. Online, users demand investigations: “California’s fraud makes Minnesota look like small fries.” Democrats counter that these claims are election denialism, with Walz attributing scrutiny to political targeting.
The accusations could fuel 2026 midterm narratives, pressuring governors and amplifying calls to “drain the swamp.”
Conclusion
President Trump’s bold accusations of massive fraud in California and Minnesota underscore deep partisan divides over governance and election integrity. As investigations unfold, these claims may drive policy changes or further political battles.
What do you think of Trump’s fraud allegations against these states? Share your thoughts below.