Gavin Newsom’s truth decay
Gavin Newsom has been criticized for making false claims about California's population growth and economic performance. Despite data showing a population decline and high unemployment, Newsom continues to assert otherwise. The opinion piece accuses him of engaging in 'truth decay' by deflecting blame and imitating political opponents rather than leading with facts.
- ▪California lost a net 54,000 residents last year, marking its first population decline since the pandemic.
- ▪The state's unemployment rate is 5.3%, ranking as the second-worst in the nation and one percentage point above the national average.
- ▪Newsom claimed California's economy has outperformed every other state, a statement contradicted by economic data.
- ▪Chattanooga, Tennessee, is seeing significant population growth, with many new residents coming from California.
- ▪The California high-speed rail project's estimated cost has risen to $231 billion, despite ongoing criticism and delays.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Opinion Gavin Newsom’s truth decay By jpollakcap Published May 3, 2026, 7:24 p.m. ET Gavin Newsom is suffering from what the Rand Corporation, right here in California, calls “truth decay” — the steady disappearance of facts and reason from public debate. The latest example is the governor’s attempt to claim that California’s population is growing — after his own government released a report warning that it isn’t. California lost a net 54,000 residents last year, the first population drop since the pandemic, when Newsom’s shutdowns drove out freedom-loving residents. Gavin Newsom has boasted that “no other state has outperformed the economy of the State of California.” AP Sure, the state’s Department of Finance tried to blame federal immigration restrictions for the decline.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from California Post
