TRUMP SPOKESPERSON CALLED FOR FEDERAL TAKEOVER OF CALIFORNIA AS POLLS EXPOSE CA DEMS CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE IN DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

CalExitNow Warns That Threats to Constitutional Rights and Public Distrust Demand Immediate Legislative Action

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With November's midterm elections approaching, CalExitNow warns that two developments should alarm every Californian concerned about constitutional government: overwhelming Democratic concern about election interference, and revelations that President Donald Trump's new White House Press Secretary publicly advocated federal control of California.

An October 14 report in Fashion Times, following an October 10 investigation by The Bulwark, examined deleted social media posts by Katie Zacharia. In June 2025, responding to Governor Gavin Newsom, Zacharia declared: "The federal government under @realDonaldTrump should take over all of California because clearly you can't be trusted to do a single thing."

The Bulwark also documented posts urging suspension of habeas corpus, the fundamental legal protection against unlawful detention, and encouraging Trump to seek a constitutionally prohibited third term.

"These are not abstract constitutional disputes," said J.J. Ames, Jr., CalExitNow Political Director and a veteran of four decades in Washington politics. "The person now speaking for the President previously advocated a federal takeover of California and suspension of a fundamental safeguard of personal liberty. Californians have every reason to demand answers."

The revelations arrive alongside polling that raises difficult questions about public confidence in democratic safeguards.

A September UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies/Los Angeles Times poll found that 59% of supporters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra identified fighting Trump administration policies as a leading election priority.

An August Berkeley survey found that 80% of California Democrats regarded potential Trump administration interference in the midterm elections as a major concern.

"Four in five California Democrats are seriously concerned about interference in elections they are being told will restrain Trump," Ames said. "An election victory remains vital. But California cannot responsibly treat the next election as its only constitutional contingency plan."

Taken together, the statements of the president's spokesperson and the sentiment of Californians regarding federal interference in elections underscore why California must examine its lawful and peaceful options before another confrontation escalates.

CalExitNow has drafted a Joint Resolution requesting establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commission on California Sovereignty and National Separation. The commission would study constitutional pathways, economic viability, defense, civil rights and the practical requirements of negotiated separation, then report its findings publicly. The proposal calls for the commission to convene within 60 days of the resolution's adoption, and allows for an accelerated time frame.

"California can begin the investigation without declaring independence or abandoning the ballot box," Ames said. "Legislators must decide whether they will examine the risks now or explain later why they refused."

The proposed resolution has not yet been introduced. It is available in full at:

https://calexitnow.com/the-resolution

ABOUT CALEXITNOW

CalExitNow advocates lawful, peaceful California sovereignty through transparent public inquiry, democratic participation and negotiated agreement.

Website: https://calexitnow.com

SOURCE CalExitNow