Staff Reports
Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, shared a Thanksgiving message that seemed to hit as well as a lead balloon. In a recent social media post featuring himself and his wife, he emphasized the importance of gratitude and “appreciating what you have.” Ironically, this sentiment comes mere moments after the couple bought a lavish mansion priced at more than $9 million, a detail that raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. One has to wonder if Newsom’s hair gel is clouding his judgment.
The video presented a picturesque scene of Newsom reflecting on gratitude, surrounded by family and friends. However, the stark contrast between his opulent lifestyle and the harsh economic realities faced by everyday Californians could not have been more glaring. As the state reels from high inflation and soaring cost of living, many viewers were quick to remind the governor that his version of “appreciating what you have” may not resonate with the average family struggling to make ends meet.
Gavin Newsom's Thanksgiving Day message backfired on Thursday when many claimed his recent $9.1 million mansion purchase showed he was out of touch with everyday Golden Staters.
Newsom is moving his family into the new mansion while keeping the old $3.7 million mansion in Fair… pic.twitter.com/T5KfS4XhHY
— Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) November 29, 2024
The governor and his wife now reside in a new 5,600-square-foot abode located in the affluent town of Kentfield, Marin County. This home boasts six bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and luxurious touches, such as floor-to-ceiling windows and a swimming pool. Such amenities are often reserved for the ultra-wealthy, leaving most Californians feeling even more distanced from their supposedly humble leader. Social media erupted with comments questioning why anyone should take advice on gratitude from someone who spends millions like it’s pocket change.
Earlier reports indicated that Newsom has a history of questionable real estate moves, including an eyebrow-raising $3.7 million mansion given to him by a cousin’s LLC. Critics have pointed out that while he touts the importance of appreciating what one has, his purchasing power is clearly not a concern in the same way it is for the people he governs. The recent property purchase raised further suspicions when the LLC involved was formed just days before the deal closed, leading many to wonder about the integrity of the transaction.
Newsom has long struggled to connect with the realities of his constituents. His recent adventure wandering around Skid Row while sipping on a pretentious latte was, at best, an exercise in public relations gone wrong. This came on the heels of draconian lockdowns he imposed during the pandemic, where his administration enforced absurd rules while he himself seemed exempt from them. Following the absurdity of these rules, it was easy to see why he currently sits at a dismal 27 percent favorability rating—proving that his perception of value and gratitude is likely just another gap between the ruling elite and the people.
In an age where leaders are expected to engage with their constituents earnestly, Newsom’s self-portrayal as a humble public servant comes off as insincere. The juxtaposition of his extravagant lifestyle against a backdrop of hardship for many Californians raises questions about not just his empathy, but also his grip on reality. As he continues to preach about appreciating what one has, the governor should perhaps start with a little introspection about what that means amidst the lavish backdrop he has created for himself.
