Trump Administration Investigates California Primary for Alleged Voter Fraud
On June 5, 2026, the Trump administration announced federal investigations into alleged voter fraud during California’s June 2 primary elections. President Trump baselessly accused Democrats of stealing the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral races, citing slow mail-in ballot counting. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee, confirmed multiple FBI-coordinated probes and a voter roll audit. California officials, including Governor Newsom and Secretary of State Weber, defended the state’s election system, noting no history of large-scale fraud. The investigations occur ahead of November midterms, amid Republican concerns over unpopular policies.
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Trump Storms Out of 'Meet the Press' Interview After Claiming California Primary Is Rigged
President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC's 'Meet the Press' on June 7, 2026, after host Kristen Welker challenged his unsubstantiated claims that California's primary elections were 'rigged.' Trump insisted, without evidence, that Republican candidates were 'dropping fast' due to fraud, despite data showing Republicans Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt holding second-place positions in key races. Trump called election officials, Welker, and major news networks 'crooked.' The interview, filmed at a Wisconsin barn, was cut short after Trump refused to provide evidence. California uses a universal mail-in voting system and a jungle primary, with ballots counted up to seven days after election day. A federal prosecutor in California announced ongoing election fraud investigations but provided no details. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over election integrity claims ahead of the November general election.
Forbes - BusinessTrump administration launches voter fraud investigations into California primaries
The Trump administration announced on June 5, 2026, that it is investigating alleged voter fraud during the California primary elections. US Attorney Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee, said his office is conducting multiple investigations in coordination with the FBI and will pursue any violations of federal election law. The probe includes a comprehensive audit of the state's voter rolls. President Trump had previously claimed Democrats were trying to 'steal' the primaries, criticizing slow counting and questioning the validity of postal ballots. However, local Republican leader Roxanne Beckford Hoge did not corroborate these accusations and explained that California law allows ballots postmarked by election day to be counted through June 9, with certification by July 10. California, a Democratic stronghold, has no history of large-scale voter fraud. The investigations come ahead of November mid-term elections where Trump risks losing his congressional majority amid unpopularity over the Iran war and rising prices.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Trump administration launches investigations into California primary for alleged voter fraud
On June 5, 2026, the Trump administration announced investigations into alleged voter fraud during the California primaries, which concluded on June 2. US Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, a Trump loyalist appointed in 2025, stated his office is conducting multiple fraud investigations in coordination with the FBI and plans a comprehensive audit of the state's voter rolls. President Trump had previously claimed Democrats were trying to 'STEAL' the primaries, criticizing slow counting and questioning the validity of late postal ballots. California, a Democratic stronghold, has no history of large-scale fraud. The investigations come ahead of November mid-term elections, where Trump's party risks losing its majority due to unpopularity over the Iran war and rising prices. Critics view this as a potential precursor to contesting election results if Republicans lose.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.DOJ Investigates California for Voter Fraud Amid Primary Vote Counting
The Trump administration, through First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, announced investigations into multiple instances of election fraud in California as the state continues counting votes from its primary elections. President Trump alleged on Truth Social that Democrats were cheating in the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral primaries, but provided no evidence. California officials, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber, defended the state's election system, emphasizing that accuracy takes precedence over speed and that state law allows up to 30 days to count ballots. Governor Gavin Newsom's office dismissed Trump's claims as lies. The article notes California's Democratic majority and its vote-by-mail system, which lacks voter ID laws, as points of contention for Republicans.
The New RepublicDOJ Investigates California for Voter Fraud Amid Primary Vote Counting
The Trump administration, through First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, announced investigations into multiple instances of election fraud in California as the state continues counting votes from its primary elections. No specific evidence or details were provided. President Trump alleged on Truth Social that Democrats were cheating in the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral primaries, claiming mail-in ballots were being used to steal elections from Republican candidates. California officials, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber, defended the state's election system, emphasizing that accuracy takes precedence over speed and that state law allows up to 30 days to count ballots. Governor Gavin Newsom's office dismissed Trump's claims as lies. The article notes that California has universal vote-by-mail, no voter ID laws, and late mail-in ballot deadlines, which are frequent targets of Republican criticism. Essayli was previously reprimanded for serving as acting U.S. attorney beyond the allowed term.
The New RepublicDOJ Investigates California for Voter Fraud Amid Primary Vote Counting
The Trump administration, through First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, announced investigations into multiple instances of election fraud in California as the state continues counting primary election ballots. President Trump made unsubstantiated claims on Truth Social about Democrats stealing the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral primaries, alleging fraud with mail-in ballots. California officials, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber, defended the state's election system, emphasizing accuracy over speed and noting that state law allows up to 30 days to count ballots. Governor Gavin Newsom's office dismissed Trump's claims as lies. The article notes that Essayli was reprimanded in October for overstaying as acting U.S. attorney, and that California's voting system includes universal vote-by-mail, no voter ID laws, and late mail-in deadlines, which Trump and Republicans oppose.
The New RepublicTrump Baselessly Accuses Democrats of Stealing California Primaries
President Donald Trump, without providing evidence, accused Democrats of attempting to 'steal' California's gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral open primaries. In posts on Truth Social, Trump attacked mail-in ballot counting, echoing false claims about the 2020 election. He alleged 'BIG cheating' and claimed the voting process is 'under investigation' by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office responded by calling Trump a liar. As of the report, 56% of gubernatorial ballots were counted, with Republican Steve Hilton leading at 27.6%, followed by Democrat Xavier Becerra at 25.6%. In the mayoral race, 62% of ballots were counted, with incumbent Democrat Karen Bass at 35% and Republican Spencer Pratt at 29.9%, though progressive Democrat Nithya Raman remains in contention. The article notes that a Republican candidate remains viable for the runoff in both races.
Forbes - Business