Trump Announces California Fraud Probe Amid Cognitive Test Clash

President Donald Trump announced a federal fraud investigation into California on January 6 and 7, 2026, alleging the state is more corrupt than Minnesota. The announcement coincided with a public feud in which Trump claimed during a speech at the Kennedy Center that Governor Gavin Newsom would be unable to pass a cognitive competency test. Trump argued that all presidents and vice presidents should be forced to take such exams, asserting that Newsom possesses a "good line of crap" but would ultimately fail.

Governor Gavin Newsom responded via social media, mocking Trump's claims and challenging the president to name a time and place for the tests. The tension escalated as Newsom's press office faced criticism for mocking conservative influencer Benny Johnson with a reference to the dating app Grindr after Johnson announced plans to visit California to investigate the mismanagement of taxpayer funds for homelessness and COVID-19 relief.

The fraud allegations are supported by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who stated that millions have already been charged in fraud related to California's homeless spending. This political clash follows similar scrutiny in Minnesota, which contributed to Governor Tim Walz dropping his reelection bid.