Newsom Denies Secret Role in Funding San Francisco City Hall Bust Amid New Book Claims
California Governor Gavin Newsom is vehemently denying allegations that he played a covert role in funding a bronze bust of himself displayed within San Francisco City Hall. The denial comes in response to claims made in a forthcoming book titled "Fools Gold: The Radicals, Con Artists, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us All," authored by Susan Crabtree and Jedd McFatter.
A spokesperson for Newsom issued a statement to Fox News Digital dismissing the accusations as "categorically false." The statement emphasized that the bust was "independently proposed by a nonprofit and funded by private donors — not taxpayers," adhering to the established customs of the city. Newsom’s office further asserted that the matter was publicly reported at the time of its creation, rendering the current claims recycled news.
The book alleges that Newsom utilized "behested payments" – contributions solicited from donors on behalf of politicians – to contribute towards the statue’s funding. Specifically, it claims that two companies linked to Newsom donated approximately $10,000 to a nonprofit organization involved in the bust’s creation. The bust, which sits on a black granite base, is intended to commemorate Newsom’s tenure as mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011.
Newsom’s office has acknowledged that businesses affiliated with his family made a "modest contribution" to the privately funded initiative and participated in fundraising efforts. However, they maintain that these contributions were made publicly and were not concealed in any way.
The governor’s office also referenced a 2015 report by SFGate, in which Newsom described the bust as a "strange thing" and expressed his initial discomfort with the project. According to the report, Newsom stated that the bust was conceived by his supporters and would be financed through private donations. He also claimed that he did not know the identities of the specific supporters and fundraisers involved. SFGate also noted that Newsom sat for artist Bruce Wolfe on multiple occasions during the bust’s creation. The San Francisco Arts Commission reports that the work was completed in 2018.
Newsom’s office directed sharp criticism toward the book itself, characterizing it as deserving of a "free tinfoil hat, a lifetime subscription to InfoWars, and a VIP dinner with Elvis Presley and Bigfoot." The statement further suggested that the authors exhibit a disregard for basic facts, including easily verifiable information such as the number of children Newsom has.
Susan Crabtree, one of the book’s authors, has responded to Newsom’s office, stating that the book never explicitly claims that Newsom organized the bust. She affirmed that she and her co-author stand by their reporting on the project.
According to the San Francisco Arts Commission, the bust features a bronze plaque engraved with a quote from Newsom: "If you distill the essence of everything, what life is about, every single one of us is given a short moment in time on this planet and we all have one universal need and desire, and that is to love and be loved."
Newsom’s office also highlighted that his bust is situated alongside those of other former San Francisco mayors, including Willie Brown, Dianne Feinstein, and George Moscone.
The unveiling of the bust and the renewed allegations have sparked a wave of online reactions, with many criticizing Newsom. One user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the act of commissioning a bust, writing, "Who commissions a bust of themself? Gavin Newsom who clearly thinks very highly of himself." Another user described the bust as "just kind of sick from a politician’s head," portraying it as a display of self-importance.
Other users have offered more satirical commentary, with one writing, "Gavin Newsom’s new bust is the perfect symbol of his time as governor. Expensive and ultimately [u]seless for the people of California." Another remarked, "San Francisco needs a Bust Reduction! $97K Newscum Vanity Project."
Newsom has increasingly become a prominent figure within the Democratic Party. He has served as a surrogate for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign and is widely considered a potential contender for the presidency in 2028. This increased national visibility has likely contributed to the heightened scrutiny surrounding past decisions and events, including the creation of the San Francisco City Hall bust. The controversy surrounding the bust serves as a reminder of the intense public interest and political sensitivities surrounding prominent figures, particularly those with potential national ambitions.
The incident highlights the challenges politicians face in navigating personal legacies and public perception. While the bust was intended as a commemoration of Newsom’s time as mayor, it has become a focal point for criticism and accusations of vanity. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public life, as well as the enduring power of historical narratives to shape public opinion.
