Conservative media and influencers have intensified criticism of Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, as he emerges as an early frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. The attacks, which began in early April, involve selectively edited clips of her public appearances that are being used to portray her as out of touch and elitist.
High-profile conservatives including Megyn Kelly and Donald Trump Jr have shared these clips with critical commentary. A columnist for the California Post claimed she was “single-handedly wrecking” her husband’s presidential ambitions, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton labelled the Newsoms a “grifter family”.
Democratic strategist Mike Nellis argues the surge is a deliberate effort by Republicans to find a new line of attack against Gavin Newsom, avoiding discussion of economic frustrations and the Iran war. “Going after her is just an extension of them running out of shit to talk about with Gavin,” he said.
Critics have focused on Siebel Newsom’s work as a documentary film-maker on gender issues, her choice of the title “first partner”, and her advocacy for equal pay. Debbie Walsh of the Center for American Women and Politics noted that while political spouses now face scrutiny, Siebel Newsom’s outspokenness on gender issues makes her a particular target.
Clips of her discussing gender stereotypes and speaking to prisoners at San Quentin have been widely circulated. In response to the latter, Megyn Kelly referred to her as a “nutcase”. The governor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
