An image circulating on social media platforms features California Governor Gavin Newsom, accompanied by an unsubstantiated quote suggesting the state is preparing to secede from the United States. This has led to widespread discussion, mockery, and speculation online.
The circulating claim asserts that California will cease all federal tax payments and is planning to become an independent nation. This narrative has been shared across various social media accounts, often paired with an image of Governor Newsom. While some responses indicate a belief in the claim, a significant portion of the comments express skepticism and opposition, questioning the authenticity of the assertion.
However, an examination of the claim reveals it to be false and without any factual basis. There are no credible reports or official statements from Governor Newsom or any California state officials indicating any plans for secession or ceasing federal tax payments. Extensive searches using relevant keywords, including “California to secede from US,” “California to stop paying tax,” and “California independent state,” have yielded no legitimate information to support the rumor, apart from the social media posts themselves. Prominent news organizations have also not reported on such a development.
Grok, a fact-checking entity, has confirmed the falsity of the claim, stating, “The claim in the viral meme is false. No credible reports or official statements from California Governor Gavin Newsom or state officials indicate any plan to stop paying federal taxes or pursue secession in 2026. California secession (Calexit) remains a fringe movement with no realistic path under the U.S. Constitution, and the image appears to be satirical or fabricated content.”
The circulation of this rumor coincides with Governor Newsom’s recent advocacy for taxing the wealthy as a strategy to combat rising economic inequality. In an op-ed published on June 26th, Newsom argued for an “economic reset in America” and highlighted the growing wealth gap as a critical issue. He reiterated his support for a national tax on billionaires and individuals with a net worth of $100 million or more.
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