President Donald Trump accused California Democrats of election wrongdoing amid slow ballot counting in the state’s recent primary elections. He claimed on Truth Social that **“The Dumocrats are at it again! They are trying to STEAL THE GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA PRIMARY, AND THE MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES, PRIMARY.”** He also said the U.S. Department of Justice was investigating the process.

Trump criticized the delayed results, pointing to mail-in ballots still being counted days after election night. He wrote, **“There’s BIG cheating by the Dumocrats in California.”** State officials, however, said the slow pace is due to election laws that allow extended counting of mail-in votes.

The president further argued that delays raise concerns about fairness, posting, **“Look what’s happening in California, the Dumocrats… are stealing the Vote.”** He also promoted proposed election reforms under a **“SAVE AMERICA ACT,”** which he said would require voter ID, proof of citizenship, and limits on mail-in voting.

California officials and supporters of the system defended the process, explaining that extended counting is built into state election procedures. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office released an explainer arguing that the system prioritizes allowing voters more time and ensuring ballots are fully verified before results are finalized.

Critics of California’s election system argue the delays reduce public trust. One commentator wrote, **“Americans should expect, at a minimum, to have elections that are free and fair, and results that are delivered promptly.”** Supporters counter that the process is designed for accessibility and accuracy rather than speed, noting that mail-in ballots often arrive and are processed after Election Day.

The debate continues as results remain incomplete, with ongoing disputes over whether California’s system improves participation or undermines confidence in election outcomes.