Additional Coverage:
- Gavin Newsom blasted over $33,000 governor portrait as Californians battle soaring costs (irishstar.com)
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is considering a run for president in 2028, is facing renewed criticism over a budget request tied to his official portrait. Reports indicate that a $33,000 allocation is being proposed in the state’s 2026-27 budget under the “Governor’s Portrait” line item. The funds would cover the cost of a traditional painted portrait to be displayed at the State Capitol alongside those of previous governors.
This request comes amid ongoing structural budget deficits in California, with Democratic lawmakers and budget analysts urging restraint on discretionary spending. Notably, the $33,000 would be drawn from the state’s General Fund during a period when many Californians are grappling with high gas prices, rising housing costs, and escalating healthcare expenses.
State Senator Suzette Valladares, a Republican from Santa Clarita, voiced sharp criticism of the expenditure, stating, “Only in Sacramento would a governor look at struggling families and think, ‘You know what this moment needs? A painting of me.’”
Officials from the State Department of Finance emphasized that commissioning gubernatorial portraits is a long-standing tradition and clarified that it is misleading to suggest Newsom personally requested the $33,000 figure.
Public reaction on social media has been divided. Some users condemned the governor’s portrait expense, while others pointed out that former President Donald Trump has spent significantly more on personal commemorations. One commentator noted, “Trump is building himself a billion-dollar ballroom,” while another highlighted a $1.776 billion fund connected to Trump’s legal settlements that critics say benefits his allies, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
Another user cautioned against partisan selective outrage, writing, “If you’re mad at Trump’s corruption, but not Newsom’s insane corruption, you might be brainwashed. All corruption is our tax money, no matter who they are on, and should be attacked aggressively. That is your money he used to buy him a painting.”
Meanwhile, California’s average price for regular unleaded gasoline stands at about $6.10 per gallon, significantly higher than the national average of around $4.50. In response to rising costs, Newsom’s office posted on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Trump’s stance on gas prices: “Donald Trump says he doesn’t care about gas prices.
Working families don’t have that luxury. They’re paying more at the pump, at the grocery store, and on nearly every delivery.
And even if the Iran conflict ended tomorrow, the economic damage would take months to unwind.”