California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Thanksgiving message backfires spectacularly as he faces criticism for being out of touch with average Californians.
At a Glance
- Newsom’s Thanksgiving message focused on Native Americans and “Dreamers,” largely ignoring broader population
- Governor recently purchased a $9.1 million mansion in Marin County
- Critics label the message as tone-deaf amid California’s economic struggles
- Former Rep. Joe Walsh warns of Trump’s “disinformation, cruelty and lies” in separate Thanksgiving statement
Newsom’s Controversial Thanksgiving Message
California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom faced significant backlash following their Thanksgiving address, which focused primarily on Native Americans and “Dreamers” while seemingly overlooking the broader Californian population. The message, intended to broaden the holiday’s narrative, instead sparked debate over its relevance to traditional Thanksgiving themes and the governor’s apparent disconnect from the everyday struggles of his constituents.
The timing of this message couldn’t have been worse for the Newsom family, coming on the heels of their recent purchase of a $9.1 million mansion in Kentfield, Marin County. This extravagant acquisition, coupled with their retention of a $3.7 million mansion in Fair Oaks, has drawn sharp criticism from Californians grappling with inflation and a cost of living crisis.
Backlash and Criticism
The public reaction to Newsom’s Thanksgiving message and recent property purchase has been overwhelmingly negative. Many Californians view the governor’s actions as tone-deaf and out of touch with the economic realities faced by the average citizen. Social media platforms erupted with criticism, questioning how Newsom could afford such a lavish lifestyle on his reported $200,000 salary.
“How can anyone in this state, much less this country, look to a man who is so excessively opulent in his lifestyle? How can Newsom rant about Big Oil when he is now a super commuter?” Sacramento Bee opinion writer Robin Epley asked.
The purchase of the Marin County mansion, one of the most expensive in the area in 25 years, stands in stark contrast to the average home price of $1.76 million in the region.
Newsom’s Defense and Explanation
In response to the growing controversy, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom attempted to explain the family’s decision to purchase the new property. The move is reportedly aimed at providing continuity in their children’s education, with the governor’s eldest child enrolling in a high school in Marin County. However, this explanation has done little to quell public outrage, especially given that the Branson School, where Newsom’s children attend, costs a staggering $60,000 annually.
The Broader Political Landscape
While Newsom faces scrutiny in California, the national political scene is not without its own controversies. Former Republican Representative Joe Walsh made headlines with his own Thanksgiving message, warning Americans about the challenges ahead with President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office.
Former Rep. Walsh (R-IL) said on CNN’s “This Morning” that Americans should enjoy Thanksgiving and then “buckle up” for President-elect Donald Trump’s “disinformation, cruelty and lies.”
