Fetterman Condemns Newsom for Smearing Journalist Over Fraud Claims
Senator John Fetterman criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for using a mocking AI image to target journalist Nick Shirley after Shirley alleged $170 million in California taxpayer fraud.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman condemned California Governor Gavin Newsom for a social media campaign targeting independent journalist Nick Shirley. The conflict erupted after Shirley published videos alleging over $170 million in taxpayer fraud involving fake hospices in Los Angeles and daycare centers in San Diego, claiming many facilities were empty despite receiving public funds.
In response to these reports, Governor Newsom's press office posted an A.I.-generated image of Shirley at a daycare. During an appearance on the All-In Podcast, Fetterman described the post as a "disgusting" smear, arguing that the image implied Shirley was a pedophile. Fetterman stated that leaders should focus on eliminating waste and fraud regardless of political affiliation.
Governor Newsom defended his position by dismissing Shirley as a partisan agitator and claiming the fraud occurred within the federal Medicare system under Donald Trump. The administration also noted that Newsom imposed a moratorium on new hospice licenses in 2021. Shirley has countered these defenses, characterizing Newsom as an "enemy to the people of California" and accusing him of protecting fraudsters while using state resources to intimidate journalists.
