The CEO of the retailer Bed Bath & Beyond issued a stinging rebuke of California and said he won’t be expanding to the Golden State thanks to Democrat-imposed regulatory burdens.
“We will not open or operate retail stores in California,” began a statement from Marcus Lemonis.
“This decision isn’t about politics — it’s about reality. California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America. It’s a system that makes it harder to employ people, harder to keep doors open, and harder to deliver value to customers,” Lemonis continued.+
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“The result? Higher taxes, higher fees, higher wages that many businesses simply cannot sustain, and endless regulations that strangle growth. Even when the state announces a budget surplus, it’s built on the backs of ordinary citizens who are paying too much and businesses who are squeezed until they break,” he said.
“At Bed Bath & Beyond, our responsibility is to our customers and our shareholders. We will not participate in a system that undermines both. Instead, we are investing in a California strategy that works: 24–48-hour delivery, and in many cases, same-day service. Californians will continue to get the products they love through BedBathandBeyond.com — but without the inflated costs created by an unsustainable model,” he went on.
“We’re taking a stand because it’s time for common sense. Businesses deserve the chance to succeed. Employees deserve jobs that last. And customers deserve fair prices. California’s system delivers the opposite. That’s why Bed Bath & Beyond will serve California customers directly through BedBathandBeyond.com, on our terms, and with their best interests at heart,” the statement concluded.
Lemonis’ decision is likely to negatively impact California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is widely believed to be preparing to run for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. That said, the Trump administration is keeping the pressure on him regarding the state’s sanctuary policies shielding illegal migrants from deportation.
Last week, U.S. Border Patrol agents maintained a visible presence outside an anti-Trump rally hosted by Newsom in Los Angeles, making at least one arrest.
Newsom staged the event, dubbed “Liberation Day,” to unveil his plans for countering the GOP’s redistricting effort in Texas.
In a social media post just ahead of the rally, Newsom, who is widely seen as a potential 2028 Democratic presidental contender, predicted that “Donald Trump and [Texas Governor] Greg Abbott are going to have a very bad day today.”
Video captured by local affiliate Fox 11 and obtained by Fox News showed more than a dozen armed, masked Border Patrol agents positioned just outside the rally. The footage depicts agents escorting a man away in handcuffs as onlookers shouted in protest.
Speaking with Fox 11, Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino explained, “We’re here making Los Angeles a safer place.”
“Since we won’t have politicians who will do that, we do that ourselves. So, that’s why we’re here today. As you can see, already making it a safer place,” said Bovino.
He noted further: “We’re glad to be here, not going anywhere.”
Bovino was then asked what message, if any, he had for Gov. Newsom, to which he replied: “Again, we’re making Los Angeles a safer place, we’re going to continue to do that, and they can take that one to the bank and cash it.”
Newsom’s office sent an all-caps email response to Fox News Digital regarding the presence of Border Patrol and ICE officers at his rally: “WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY WEAK LITTLE DONALD TRUMP, THE CRIMINAL PRESIDENT!”
