California Governor Newsom Slams Trump's Pardons, Calls Him 'Personification of Fraud
California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again criticized President Donald Trump, calling him the "personification of fraud" for his recent series of presidential pardons. Newsom claims that these pardons are costing Americans nearly $2 billion. The governor's office launched a new section on the California government website called "Trump Criminals," featuring a fake mug shot of the president with the word "FRAUD" stamped across his body.
Newsom's criticism is centered on the financial penalties associated with Trump's clemency grants since 2017. According to Newsom's analysis, over 1,800 individuals who received pardons or commutations collectively owe nearly $2 billion in court-ordered restitution, criminal fines, and unpaid financial penalties. Newsom stated that Trump is giving "get-out-of-jail-free cards to real fraudsters" while the federal government is targeting California with baseless allegations of "massive fraud."
The White House responded to Newsom's comments by dismissing his criticism and redirecting focus to former President Joe Biden and the California governor himself. They defended Trump's use of pardons and commutations, especially for individuals they believe were over prosecuted and targeted by the Biden Department of Justice. Newsom's office highlighted cases like Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman, who received a pardon in December 2020 despite owing over $31.6 million in court-ordered restitution for bank fraud and tax fraud convictions.
This ongoing feud between Newsom and Trump continues to escalate, with each side exchanging criticisms and accusations. Newsom's latest remarks against Trump's pardons and their financial implications add fuel to the fire in their long-standing rivalry.