Newsom Calls Trump's $5,000 Dividend Pledge 'Pathetic and Sad'

California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticised President Donald Trump's pledge to hand out $5,000 to voters, describing the promise as "pathetic and sad" and an attempt to bribe the electorate.

Speaking in Sausalito, California, on Thursday, Newsom said the president was resorting to payouts because he recognises his political position is weakening. "It's bullshit and sad that he has to go in front of people and basically bribe them. I mean, that's how desperate he is," the governor said.

Newsom argued that Trump, despite holding considerable power, is behaving like a leader whose presidency is effectively over, and predicted he would take every possible step to influence the outcome of November's election. The governor said the offer amounted to telling voters that they would receive money if they backed him.

He also questioned the legality of such a promise, noting that laws govern this kind of conduct, and dismissed the proposal as fabricated. In a lighter aside, Newsom joked that he was himself looking forward to receiving a check, adding that his wife had advised him not to spend it.

The remarks add to the ongoing political friction between the Democratic governor of California and the Republican president as the midterm elections approach.