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California Governor Gavin Newsom recently responded to allegations claiming he covertly funded a bronze bust of himself in San Francisco’s City Hall, labeling these accusations as “categorically false.” The bust, estimated to cost nearly $100,000, has become a topic of discussion, raising questions about ethics and transparency in political funding.
A spokesperson for Newsom firmly denied the claims in a statement to Fox News Digital. The spokesperson emphasized that any suggestion of the governor personally financing the bust is misleading. They stated, “As is customary in the city, the effort was independently proposed by a nonprofit and funded by private donors, not taxpayers. This was reported at the time and isn’t news now.”
These remarks followed the release of a new book titled Fool’s Gold: The Radicals, Con Artists, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us All, authored by Susan Crabtree and Jedd McFatter. The book asserts that Newsom may have utilized “behested payments,” which are contributions made by donors that politicians request, to assist in financing the statue.
According to the book, two companies linked to Newsom contributed approximately $10,000 to a nonprofit organization aimed at partially funding the bust, which is designed to commemorate his tenure as mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011.
Newsom’s office reiterated their position, stating, “Businesses tied to the Newsom family made a modest contribution to the privately funded initiative and raised funds for the effort as reported publicly at the time. The contributions were not in any way ‘secret’ as falsely claimed by some now.”
In 2015, Newsom himself characterized the bust as a “strange thing,” admitting his discomfort. He commented to SFGate, “I’m just awkward about it… But now the word is out.” His office underlined that he was not aware of the identities of the supporters and fundraisers who organized the initiative.
Further details from SFGate revealed that Newsom collaborated with artist Bruce Wolfe on several occasions to finalize the bust, which was completed in 2018, as confirmed by the San Francisco Arts Commission.
Newsom’s office did not shy away from criticizing the authors of Fool’s Gold, describing the book as lacking in factual accuracy. They remarked, “This publication should come with a free tinfoil hat, a lifetime subscription to InfoWars, and a VIP dinner with Elvis Presley and Bigfoot. The authors seem allergic to basic facts — especially the kind you can confirm with a 10-second Google search, like how many children the Governor has.”
In response to the controversy, Crabtree, one of the book’s authors, clarified that they never suggested Newsom organized the bust. She asserted their commitment to the accuracy of their reporting surrounding the project.
The San Francisco Arts Commission detailed that the bust features a bronze plaque inscribed with a notable quote from Newsom. It reads, “If you distill the essence of everything, what life is about, every single one of us is given a short moment in time on this planet and we all have one universal need and desire, and that is to love and be loved.”
Significantly, the bust is not the only one on display, as it stands alongside those of other former San Francisco mayors, including Willie Brown, Dianne Feinstein, and George Moscone.
As the news circulated online, reactions were swift and varied. Many social media users criticized Newsom, with one commenting on X, “Who commissions a bust of themself? Gavin Newsom who clearly thinks very highly of himself. That’s just kind of sick from a politician’s head. Look at me and see how great I am!” Another user quipped, “Gavin Newsom’s new bust is the perfect symbol of his time as governor — expensive and ultimately useless for the people of California.”
Additional remarks included calls for a “Bust Reduction!” with one user highlighting the hefty price tag of the project: “$97K Newscum Vanity Project.”
Despite the criticism, Newsom has maintained a prominent position within the Democratic Party. He has served as a surrogate for both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris during their 2024 campaign and is seen as a strong candidate for a potential presidential run in 2028.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The reactions to the bust and the subsequent allegations reflect broader concerns about political transparency and accountability in California. Newsom’s handling of this situation could impact public perception as he eyes a presidential run.
Understanding Behested Payments
The concept of behested payments, which is significant in this context, refers to donations requested by politicians to support specific causes or projects. This practice has drawn scrutiny in various political landscapes, sparking discussions on the ethical implications of such arrangements.
Wrapping Up the Talk on the Bust
As the dust settles from this latest controversy, Governor Newsom’s assertions and the claims from the authors of Fool’s Gold will likely continue to be debated. The public’s response indicates that issues surrounding political vanity and responsibility are at the forefront of discussions in California, as residents expect transparency from their elected leaders.
