In the current political climate, it seems that Democrats have adopted a predictable stance: anything President Donald Trump does or says is inherently wrong.
The latest controversy surrounds the President's announcement of a $300 million White House ballroom project. This news has ruffled the feathers of individuals like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has labeled the project as "a vulgar display" and a symbol of "a wrecking ball presidency!"
Despite the fact that taxpayers won't be footing the bill for this much-needed upgrade, which will serve the nation for years to come.
Governor Newsom's criticism of the White House renovation project was reported by ABC News. He expressed his hope that the next Democratic president would reverse President Trump's renovations, which he described as "symbolism of weakness masquerading as strength." However, it seems that Governor Newsom may need to heed the old adage, "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
This is because a massive Capitol renovation project is currently underway in Sacramento, right in his backyard. When inquiries are made about this project, answers are elusive, and many involved are bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
Ashley Zavala, Political Director of KCRA 3, has been investigating the Sacramento story. Her findings reveal a troubling picture of the Governor's hypocrisy. While President Trump has been transparent about the White House ballroom project, Governor Newsom becomes defensive and evasive when questioned about the Sacramento renovation.
Despite promising to push state lawmakers to be more transparent about the use of taxpayer dollars, documents reveal that Newsom's office plays a larger role in the project than he initially suggested.
The California Legislature has not provided an update on the estimated cost of the taxpayer-funded office building for at least three years. The last estimate suggested a cost of over $1.1 billion. This lack of transparency from the Governor, who is quick to label President Trump as corrupt, raises eyebrows.
Governor Newsom's dismissive attitude towards Zavala's attempts to get answers is concerning. He deflects blame onto others and at times, resorts to a whisper reminiscent of Joe Biden. His gestures during these interactions are equally perplexing.
Despite keeping a close eye on the White House ballroom project, he claims ignorance about the State Capitol renovation, which is a stone's throw from his office. This renovation is costing taxpayers at least $1.2 billion, and legislators are refusing to disclose how much the cost has increased.
The renovation of the Golden State Capitol complex is shrouded in secrecy. The Joint Rules Committee, who are leading the project, have not been forthcoming with information about how funds are being spent. Only leaked information has been confirmed, including millions spent on Italian stonework and the decision to add a hallway system exclusively for lawmakers to avoid the public and media. The Legislature continues to withhold documents that could reveal the true cost of the project.
While Newsom is not directly in charge of the project, evidence suggests that he is not the innocent bystander he portrays himself to be. His inner circle is deeply involved in the project, but they seem to have adopted a code of silence. Documents reveal that Newsom's director of operations is part of a three-member executive committee that makes final decisions about the project behind closed doors.
Newsom's claim of ignorance is questionable, given that his director of operations is part of the project's executive committee. Furthermore, much of the framework for the project's oversight was authorized prior to Newsoms term. However, he has been in office since early 2019, and he and the Democrats have complete control over the state. If he truly cared about how taxpayer dollars are being spent, he could easily find out.
Luree Stetson, a member of the Public Accountability For Our Capitol Political Action Committee, expressed skepticism about Newsom's claims of ignorance. She stated, "I don't know if the governor would or not. His staff might. Whether his staff informed him of that, we've tried to get in touch with the governor over the last five years also and never heard back from him."
Despite his claims of ignorance, Newsom has approved legislation appropriating funds for the project. He also signed a bill in 2024 that exempted the new building from California's Environmental Quality Act to cease the litigation that had been stalling it. It seems that when progressives are in charge, environmental considerations are paramount for your car, your stove, your washing machinebut not for their billion-dollar projects.
Zavala's persistent investigation into the matter is commendable, as she is one of the few Sacramento journalists willing to question Newsom and attempt to pin him down on his evasive responses. The Governor's criticism of a privately funded ballroom while a taxpayer-funded monument to progressivism is being built right outside his office is the height of audacity.
If the buildingif and when it is ever completedwere a metaphor for the governor and his policies, it would appear shiny from afar, exceedingly bland up close, and built to the lowest standards possible. One can't help but speculate that if a stone were thrown at it It would shatter.
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