Trump Invokes Jesus to Dispute California Election Loss
President Donald Trump invoked Jesus Christ while making unsubstantiated claims about California’s election integrity on Wednesday before boarding Air Force One to deliver a commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. When asked about Republican former reality television star Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign in Los Angeles, Trump pivoted to his recurring assertion that California’s elections are “rigged,” stating, “If we had Jesus Christ come down and count the votes, I would have won California, because I do great with Hispanics, but it’s a rigged vote.”
Trump has repeatedly lost California’s electoral votes in both 2020 and 2024, yet continues to dispute the results without presenting evidence of fraud. His claims center on California’s mail-in ballot system, which he characterizes as inherently corrupt, though the state has voted overwhelmingly Democratic in statewide elections since the 1990s. He alleged without substantiation that “38 million votes” are sent out with no accountability, claiming Democrats receive disproportionate advantages through what he described as a “rigged system.”
Trump characterized California as “one of the most dishonest states for voting” and suggested that Spencer Pratt, whom he called “a character” and “a big MAGA person,” would face obstacles winning the mayoral race because of electoral manipulation. This reflects Trump’s pattern of delegitimizing election outcomes and institutions, a broader theme in his recent attacks on Democratic political figures.
Trump used the airport remarks to briefly discuss his planned Coast Guard Academy speech, telling reporters his message would be to “enjoy your life” and praising the service members’ heroism during natural disasters. He described Coast Guard personnel as “unbelievable” seamen who risk their lives in extreme conditions to rescue civilians.