California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed deep concern that a presidential election might not occur in 2028, calling the Trump administration’s actions “authoritarian” during a Sept. 23 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Newsom cited federal immigration enforcement actions, including arrests in courthouses and other locations, as examples of the administration undermining due process and taking authoritarian measures.

He also criticized Trump’s redistricting efforts in Texas and is pushing a California redistricting proposal that could add up to five Democratic seats in the 2026 midterms.

Newsom suggested Trump might try to extend his hold on power beyond constitutional limits, though he did not provide details on how a 2028 election could be canceled, USA Today has reported.

The White House dismissed Newsom’s warnings as “absurd” and a “conspiracy theory.”