Contributor and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom, stating that “nobody can defend Joe Biden” in light of his low approval ratings due to his record. Leaked footage from a Zoom meeting captured a store worker confronting Newsom about his policies in relation to a brazen theft they both witnessed in California. The video, originally shared by a reporter with The San Francisco Standard, showed a portion of the meeting where Newsom and other elected California officials were present.
During the meeting, Newsom recounted an incident where he observed a man leaving a store without paying. Surprised by the lack of intervention from the employee, Newsom questioned why they didn’t stop the thief. The store worker allegedly responded that they no longer pursued shoplifters “because of the governor.” According to Newsom, the employee recognized him and called others over to take a photo.
Newsom recalled his response to the worker, saying, “No, I’m not taking a photo, we’re having a conversation. Where is your manager?” The incident sparked laughter among the elected officials on the call. When the worker attributed the rise in crime to Newsom’s policy changes, the governor refuted the claim, stating that California has the tenth toughest laws in the country.
After the exchange, Newsom questioned why he had to pay for his goods while others could simply walk out without consequences. Newsom’s spokesperson defended his record, stating that retail theft per capita in California is lower than the national average and highlighting the governor’s $1.1 billion investment to combat crime and enhance public safety.
The location and date of the incident were not disclosed during the Zoom call, and Newsom’s office declined to provide further details. The leaked footage and subsequent criticism of Newsom’s policies add to the ongoing debate surrounding crime in California. As Newsom faces low approval ratings and potential political challenges, this incident could further impact his standing among voters.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, a breaking news writer for Digital and Fox Business, contributed to this report. She is based in Orlando, Florida, and welcomes story tips and ideas at [email protected]. Stay updated on the latest from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to this newsletter.
