Trump, in an early morning Truth Social post<\/a>, said the Democratic governor had imposed a wave of taxes that he argued were draining the state\u2019s economic strength.<\/p>\n “She is adding so many Taxes, a Food and Beverage Tax, Digital Services Tax, Utilities Tax, and more,” Trump wrote. “It has lost its Energy, Vitality, and Strength. People are leaving that would never have even thought of doing so!”<\/p>\n Trump\u2019s comments come as Spanberger faces Republican criticism over a slate<\/a> of tax and revenue proposals, with GOP lawmakers warning the measures could hurt Virginia\u2019s business climate, while her office argues they are needed to fund key priorities.<\/p>\n GLENN YOUNGKIN ACCUSES GOV SPANBERGER OF ‘ILLEGAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL’ GERRYMANDERING IN VIRGINIA MAP FIGHT<\/a><\/p>\n Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and President Donald Trump are shown in a split image as Trump criticized the governor\u2019s tax policies and warned of a potential business exodus. (Marvin Joseph\/Getty Images; Brendan Smilowski \/ AFP)<\/p>\n Spanberger has backed a series of revenue measures since taking office, including proposals to expand taxes<\/a> on digital services and business activity, as part of a broader effort to fund priorities such as education and health care. Republicans have criticized those efforts as tax hikes that could make the state less competitive.<\/p>\n Trump said companies that committed to moving into Virginia under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin were now reconsidering those decisions.<\/p>\n “New companies that signed to come into the Commonwealth under Governor Youngkin are now looking for ways to get out \u2014 Break their Deal,” he said.<\/p>\n VA DEM REJECTS \u2018POWER GRAB\u2019 CLAIMS ON SPANBERGER REDISTRICTING AS GOP WARNS 10\u20131 MAP WOULD SPLIT RURAL VOTE<\/a><\/p>\n The Virginia State Capitol during the inauguration ceremony of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger in Richmond on Jan. 17, 2026. (Kendall Warner\/The Virginian-Pilot\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n The president, who said he was heading to Virginia for meetings at Trump National Golf Club, drew comparisons to high-tax states like New York and California, which he has frequently criticized.<\/p>\n “We have a similar situation in New York and, most of all, in California, where Rich, Job Producing people and companies are being forced to FLEE at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote.<\/p>\n He added that California\u2019s tax base was “literally disappearing” as wealthy individuals and corporations relocate, warning Virginia could face a similar trajectory.<\/p>\n “Remember, once people and companies leave, they are never coming back!” Trump said.<\/p>\n![\"Abigail](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/spanberger-trump-split-tax-criticism.jpeg\")
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