Trump ENDORSES Fox New Host For Governor

President Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton for California governor could rescue the Golden State from decline—or hand Democrats an easy victory in the nation’s biggest blue stronghold.

Story Snapshot

Trump delivers “COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT” to former Fox host Steve Hilton on April 6, 2026, via Truth Social, slamming Newsom’s failures.
Hilton’s campaign hails it as “the moment California has been waiting for,” boosting his poll lead in the June 2 top-two primary.
Endorsement sidelines rival Chad Bianco, risking a unified Democratic front in November despite GOP consolidation.
Trump pledges federal aid to fight high taxes, crime, and exodus under term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Rare Trump intervention tests MAGA power in deep-blue California amid national Republican momentum.

Trump’s Bold Truth Social Post Ignites the Race

President Donald Trump posted his endorsement late April 5 into early April 6, 2026, on Truth Social. He described Steve Hilton as a “truly fine man” known to him for years. Trump blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom for California’s high taxes, surging crime, and mass population exodus. He called the state one that has “gone to Hell” and vowed federal assistance if Hilton wins. Trump concluded with his “COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT,” predicting Hilton “will be a GREAT Governor.”

Hilton’s campaign responded instantly on social media. They labeled the endorsement “the moment California has been waiting for.” The team thanked Trump and promised to “take California back” with his backing. This swift reaction amplified the post’s reach across platforms like X and Truth Social.

Steve Hilton’s Unlikely Path to Candidacy

Steve Hilton, 56, brings a unique resume to the 2026 race. Born in Britain, he served as strategist for UK Prime Minister David Cameron. He hosted Fox News’s “The Next Revolution” and naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2021, renouncing UK citizenship in 2025. Hilton entered the governor’s race focusing on immigration control and state revival. Pre-endorsement polls placed him neck-and-neck with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco among Republicans.

California’s top-two primary system advances the two highest vote-getters to November, regardless of party. Newsom’s term limit opens the field in this Democrat-dominated state. Recent surveys showed Republicans leading early, hinting at a fragmented Democratic vote potentially sending two GOP candidates forward.

Stakeholders React to the Endorsement Shock

Trump acted as kingmaker after staying neutral despite candidate overtures. GOP strategists had urged restraint to force Democrats to spend against multiple Republicans. Hilton gains fundraising and Trump base turnout. Bianco’s law-and-order campaign suffers a “fatal blow,” disillusioning his supporters. Democrats quietly celebrate, saving tens of millions in resources.

Newsom faces direct fire, dubbed “Gavin Newscum” by Trump. The incumbent eyes a 2028 presidential bid while defending his record on homelessness and crime. Hilton’s longstanding Trump respect, noted as “known…for many years,” underscores their alignment on immigration and economic policies.

Strategic Risks and Expert Warnings

GOP pollster David Pyers warned the endorsement “frees up tens of millions” for Democrats. They no longer need to boost a weak GOP frontrunner. Sonoma State professor David McCuan agreed it shakes up the field short-term for Hilton’s June 2 primary win. Long-term, Hilton must pivot to moderates for November success in blue California.

Optimists in Hilton’s camp see a path to make California “better than ever.” Pessimists fear it kills Republican hopes of a top-two lockout. Facts align with conservative priorities: lower taxes, crime reduction, and stopping out-migration demand bold action. Common sense favors consolidating against Newsom’s failures over infighting.