Fact check: Trump falsely claims Walmart is closing 250 California stores and spreads voter misinformation

President Donald Trump shared multiple inaccurate claims on social media this week, including a false assertion that Walmart is preparing to close more than 250 stores across California and misleading statements about voter registration numbers in Wisconsin.

Trump reposted a video claiming Walmart was shutting down hundreds of California locations because of a supposed $22-per-hour minimum wage. However, California’s statewide minimum wage is $16.90 an hour, and Walmart confirmed to CNN that no mass closures are planned.

A Walmart spokesperson said the information circulating online was not accurate and noted the company recently opened a new store in Eastvale, California. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office also pushed back, pointing out that all 303 Walmart stores in the state remain open.

The governor’s office expressed frustration over the misinformation, saying it was troubling to see such claims amplified at a national level. The viral video promoting the store closures originated from a YouTube account known for posting sensational and inaccurate content targeting California leadership. Many of those videos were later removed.

Trump also shared posts alleging Wisconsin has more than seven million registered voters — a figure far exceeding the state’s adult population. According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, the actual number of active registered voters as of January 1, 2026, was about 3.6 million.

Election officials clarified that while Wisconsin has millions of inactive voter records, those individuals are not considered registered voters and must re-register before casting a ballot. Inactive records include people who have moved, died, or otherwise become ineligible.

State officials emphasized that the claims shared online misrepresent how voter rolls are maintained and risk undermining public trust in the electoral process.

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