Trump warns Virginia could face New York-style tax and business exodus
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President Donald Trump harshly criticized Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger ahead of his meetings in the state on Saturday, warning that her policies were triggering a tax-base drain similar to that in New York and California.
Trump at Truth Social early in the morning to postHe said the Democratic governor has implemented a wave of taxes that he claims are sapping the state’s economic strength.
“It adds too many Taxes, Food and Beverage Tax, Digital Services Tax, Utility Tax, and more,” Trump wrote. “He has lost his Energy, Vitality and Strength. People who would never consider doing this are leaving!”
Trump’s comments come as Spanberger faces criticism from Republicans over a series of tax and revenue proposals, with GOP lawmakers warning the measures could harm Virginia’s business climate and Spanberger’s office arguing they are needed to fund key priorities.
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Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and President Donald Trump are shown in a split image in which Trump criticizes the governor’s tax policies and warns of a potential trade exit. (Marvin Joseph/Getty Images; Brendan Smilowski/AFP)
Spanberger has supported a number of revenue measures since taking office, including proposals to expand taxes on digital services and business activities as part of an effort to fund priorities such as education and health care. Republicans have criticized those efforts as tax increases that could make the state less competitive.
Trump said companies that committed to moving to Virginia under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration are now reconsidering those decisions.
“New companies that signed agreements to enter the Commonwealth under Governor Youngkin are now looking for ways to get out – Breaking Their Agreements,” he said.
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The Virginia State Capitol during the inauguration of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger on January 17, 2026 in Richmond. (Kendall Warner/Virginian Pilot/Getty Images)
The president, who said he would go to Virginia for meetings at the Trump National Golf Club, made comparisons with high-tax states such as New York and California, which he frequently criticizes.
“We face a similar situation in New York and, most importantly, in California, where Rich, Job-Producing people and corporations are being forced to FLY at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote.
He added that California’s tax base has “literally disappeared” as wealthy individuals and corporations relocate, warning that Virginia could face a similar trend.
“Remember, once people and companies leave, they never come back!” Trump said.
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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger provides the Democrats’ response to US President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24, 2026 in Williamsburg, Virginia. (Mike Kropf/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Spanberger’s office for comment.
Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the 2025 governor’s race, securing a Democratic win. Youngkin was not eligible for re-election under state law.
He campaigned on issues like health care and abortion rights while positioning himself as a more moderate alternative despite GOP criticism of his voting record.
