California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent social media activities have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning his self-awareness and authenticity.
The governor, who is widely speculated to be preparing for a 2024 presidential run, recently attempted to craft a humble origin story during a podcast interview. This narrative, which depicted him as a disadvantaged youth striving to make ends meet, was met with skepticism given his privileged upbringing.
Newsom's attempt to criticize President Donald Trump for hosting a lavish party during a government shutdown, which resulted in a lapse in food stamp benefits, has also drawn criticism. According to the Western Journal, the governor seems to have forgotten his own history of indulging in luxury while his constituents faced crises.
The party in question was a pre-planned Halloween event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, where guests were entertained by flapper-costumed dancers, and Trump himself played the role of Gatsby. Critics, predominantly Democrats, were quick to label the event as tone-deaf.
However, it's worth noting that the shutdown was caused by Democrats' refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution, and cancelling the party would have saved only a negligible amount of money.
Among the critics, Governor Newsom's objection was particularly ironic. Despite his recent attempt to portray himself as a struggling youth, Newsom was profiled in a San Francisco Chronicle piece titled "Children of the Rich." His criticism of the Trump party seems hypocritical, considering his own party's role in causing the shutdown and his history of indulgence during times of crisis.
For instance, during the anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement riots in Los Angeles in June, Newsom was reported to be attending a luxury wine-tasting event. Christopher Rufo and Ryan Thorpe, writing for conservative outlet City Journal, revealed that Newsom was at the event for at least 90 minutes, seemingly unconcerned about the chaos unfolding in his state.
The event, held at the Odette Estate Winery which Newsom co-founded, was a fundraiser for the PlumpJack Foundation, founded by Newsom's sister. A source who photographed Newsom at the event expressed disbelief at the governor's attendance, given the riots that had broken out in Los Angeles the previous day.
Newsom's behavior during the COVID-19 crisis has also been controversial. He made headlines for dining mask-free at a Michelin-starred restaurant in 2020, while most restaurants were closed and private gatherings were largely prohibited.
A year later, he extended the state's COVID-19 emergency into 2022, only to jet off to Mexico for a Thanksgiving vacation despite high case rates in California.
The contrast between Newsom's actions and those of Trump is stark. While there was little Trump could have done during his party, Newsom was absent during critical moments when his state needed leadership.
His actions during the riots, the COVID lockdown, and the high case rate period paint a picture of a leader who is both rich and out-of-touch. His recent criticisms of Trump's party only serve to highlight his own shortcomings and lack of self-awareness.
Login