While President Trump focuses his attention on the capture and prosecution in New York City of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, MAGA-aligned House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is trying to prioritize battles over the kinds of domestic issues largely responsible for getting Trump elected. Denigrating California, the nation’s most populous state, Johnson took aim at Governor Gavin Newsom, believed to be a frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
Johnson amplified an article published by the conservative D.C. organization Americans for Tax Reform on Monday and wrote: “The company U-Haul just released its yearly report showing more people are leaving California than ANY OTHER STATE – for the 6th year in a row. It’s EASY to see why. California has the highest state income tax in America — 13.3% — and now Democrats like @GavinNewsom are blocking President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts, denying workers real money back in their pockets. Workers are leaving high taxes behind — and red states are welcoming them with open arms.”
The press office of Newsom, which has been producing satirical content mocking numerous GOP personalities and positions, replied with its signature snark: “Hey Mike — nice of you to get off your knees to post! Are you sore? FACT: CA’s population has grown for 3 straight years. FACT: Most Californians pay LOWER overall taxes than workers in Texas or Florida. FACT: Our minimum wage (almost $17) is 2x your mediocre federal $7.25/hour. We can’t wait until you’re FIRED!”
Hey Mike — nice of you to get off your knees to post! Are you sore?
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) January 6, 2026
FACT: CA’s population has grown for 3 straight years.
FACT: Most Californians pay LOWER overall taxes than workers in Texas or Florida.
FACT: Our minimum wage (almost $17) is 2x your mediocre federal $7.25/hour.… https://t.co/ee8zluJeb6
While supporters of MAGA (“Newsom has destroyed CA”) and the Democrats are delivering the expected polarized responses, others including Democratic strategist and Fox News commentator Leslie Marshall suggested that Johnson not rely on a single source to make such a broad statement. The former Fox News star replied to Johnson: “U-Haul? Try more sources.”
CSUF Professor Amy Coplan, also criticizing Johnson’s remarks, added: “It would be super cool if you didn’t attempt to mislead people by presenting reports in ways that imply things that aren’t true. The U-HAUL report’s number of one way truck rentals out of the state is not an indication of actual out-migration & doesn’t factor in multiple others variables relevant to population changes. The report itself states this. If you want to be honest and straightforward, use census info or department of finance info.. We get it. You hate CA & want to troll it. You’re entitled to bash whatever states you like. But it’s pretty uncool for an elected official to knowingly misrepresent things to score political points.”
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