Victor Davis Hanson: The Law Has Finally Caught Up to Gavin Newsom

Overview

Victor Davis Hanson argues that Gavin Newsom’s alleged scandals reflect a broader California pattern: a one-party political system that provides little deterrence for illegal or unethical conduct.

California’s Lack of Political Opposition Enables Misconduct

Hanson claims California effectively functions as a “uni party” state—dominated by Democrats in both the legislature and the governorship for long periods. He argues Republican representation has been limited in Congress and that there has been no statewide Republican governor for roughly 15 years.

According to Hanson, this dynamic makes illegal behavior easier by reducing:

• scrutiny
• opposition press
• competitive electoral pressure

Newsom-Era Staff and Campaign Accusations Suggest a Corruption Theme

Hanson cites the conviction of Dana Williamson (Newsom’s former chief of staff) for mail and bank fraud, alleging:

• misuse of campaign funds intended to support Newsom’s political replacement
• draining of opponent Steve Hilton’s campaign funds for personal use

Main Allegation: Newsom and a Charity Network

Hanson argues California has routed $600 million+ over the last decade to nonprofits he describes as overwhelmingly left-wing and aligned with the state’s political leadership.

He claims these groups allegedly use state funding to advance political-ideological goals, such as:

• lawsuits against developers
• blocking oil activity
• seeking subsidies for favored energy projects

He further alleges a political feedback loop—where those groups then donate back to legislators and governors.

Specific Claims Raised by Hanson

• Hanson asserts Newsom is alleged to have routed over $350 million in taxpayer money to favored charities connected to his ecosystem.
• He alleges potential conflicts of interest involving Jennifer Newsom (Newsom’s wife), stating she is associated with charities that reportedly:
  • paid her a salary
  • received money related to the same taxpayer-funded efforts
• He adds that one charity reportedly benefited by $4 million.

Hanson Rejects “Lawfare” and Contrasts Past Immunity

Hanson argues Newsom calls the investigation “lawfare,” but Hanson contends that lawfare would have applied when Joe Biden was president and no investigation occurred.

He claims Newsom faced less scrutiny previously due to political alignment—specifically:

• a left-wing governor in a left-wing state
• during a left-wing federal administration

Now, Hanson argues, there is more accountability.

Allegations of Incompetence, Inconsistency, and Governance Failures

Hanson criticizes Newsom’s COVID-era governance, including school closures and broader restrictions, and alleges hypocrisy—such as being out in public at events without a mask while enforcing rules on others.

He also highlights alleged rule-breaking with lobbyists at a high-end restaurant.

Hanson further lists governance failures, including:

• ongoing problems rebuilding after the Pacific Palisades fire
• repeated severe wildfire crises without meaningful change
• failure to resolve a costly high-speed rail project
• energy/industry restrictions (oil and gas exploration, timber) alongside high gasoline taxes/prices

Hanson concludes that Newsom has no credible solutions while campaigning and implies these allegations would damage any presidential ambitions.

Presenters/Contributors

• Victor Davis Hanson (speaker; Daily Signal)