Newsom's $33K Portrait Proposal Sparks Outrage Amid California's Financial Crisis

Gavin Newsom, the outgoing governor of California and potential 2028 Presidential candidate, is under fire for proposing a $33,000 self-portrait to be funded by the state’s General Fund. This request comes as California grapples with structural budget deficits and soaring costs for its residents.

The proposed painting is labeled as a “traditional painting of the Governor’s portrait” to be displayed in the State Capitol alongside portraits of previous governors. Critics are questioning the timing of this expenditure, especially as Californians face high gas prices, skyrocketing housing costs, and rising healthcare expenses.

State Senator Suzette Valladares, a Republican from Santa Clarita, slammed the proposal, stating, “Only in Sacramento would a governor look at struggling families and think, ‘You know what this moment needs? A painting of me.’”

Democratic lawmakers and state budget analysts are pushing back against any new discretionary spending. The State Department of Finance claims that every governor receives a portrait as part of a long-standing tradition. However, they also assert that it is misleading to say Newsom is directly requesting $33,000 for this artwork.

Social media reactions are mixed. Some users criticize Newsom’s priorities, while others draw comparisons to President Trump’s spending on his own commemorations. One user bluntly remarked, “Trump is building himself a billion-dollar ballroom.”

Another pointed out the disparity in spending, referencing a $1.776 billion fund established by the Department of Justice to settle lawsuits involving Trump’s associates. Critics argue that this fund will benefit Trump’s political allies, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.

One commenter emphasized that corruption transcends party lines, stating, “If you’re mad at Trump’s corruption, but not Newsom’s insane corruption, you might be brainwashed. All corruption is our tax money.” They added, “That is your money he used to buy him a painting.”

As Californians deal with an average gas price of approximately $6.10 per gallon—significantly higher than the national average of around $4.50—Newsom’s office took to social media to address rising costs. They stated, “Donald Trump says he doesn’t care about gas prices. Working families don’t have that luxury.”

Newsom's proposal for a lavish portrait stands in stark contrast to the financial struggles faced by many in the Golden State.

The proposal says the money would pay for the “traditional painting of the Governor’s portrait” to be displayed in the State Capitol alongside portraits of every other California governor.