California Governor Gavin Newsom faced backlash after describing his family’s struggles to pay bills on the ‘All the Smoke’ podcast. On the show, Newsom detailed how his mother ‘came from no money and just hustled’ with multiple jobs to support the family. This account drew mixed reactions, with several critics questioning the authenticity of his working-class background.
Critics, including comedian Adam Carolla and conservative writers, highlighted potential inconsistencies in Newsom’s narrative. Carolla specifically noted that Newsom’s father worked for Getty Oil, which raised doubts about the governor’s claim of coming from a lower-class background. The debate sparked further commentary, with others dismissing the governor’s account as an exaggeration or even a fabrication.
Despite the criticism, Newsom’s spokesperson defended his upbringing, stating that the governor has discussed his background ‘extensively.’ They emphasized that Newsom was raised by his mother after her divorce from his father and that she worked three jobs at one point. This detail was presented as evidence of his humble beginnings, countering the skepticism from critics. However, the controversy underscores the growing scrutiny of political figures’ personal narratives and their impact on public perception.