Story perspectives

Newsom Launches Tracker to Expose Trump's Pardoned Criminals

1/25/2026

Center

Newsom Challenges Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a tracker highlighting individuals pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump, including fraudsters.
The tracker counters Trump's crime-rate claims and shows Newsom's stance against fraud.
Newsom criticized U.S. President Donald Trump as a hypocrite for pardoning criminals while condemning Trump administration policies as authoritarian at the World Economic Forum.
A White House spokesperson mocked Newsom's international presence, suggesting he should focus on California's issues.

Right

Shirley Exposes Fraud

Nick Shirley (journalist) focuses on exposing government fraud in California after gaining attention for his Minnesota work.
He testified before Congress, saying California's fraud may exceed Minnesota's, with $24 billion for homelessness.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is expanding probes into Minnesota's alleged fraud.
Vice President JD Vance said California has $7 billion in fraudulent payments.
Governor Gavin Newsom is criticized by California's top federal prosecutor for inadequate oversight.

Left

Newsom Tackles Fraud

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced improvements to curb welfare fraud.
He said theft fell from $20 million to over $4 million due to anti-fraud technology, including chipped Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Critics say figures may be underestimated because many thefts go unreported.
Gregory Mahony, president of the California Welfare Fraud Investigators Association, criticized easing reporting requirements as hampering tracking.
Nearly 200 individuals have been charged in EBT theft schemes.

History

Historical Context

California's Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified certain felonies as misdemeanors, influencing crime rates and public perception. Governor Gavin Newsom's recent pardons of 200 individuals, including fraudsters, highlight ongoing concerns about welfare fraud, particularly amid investigations into $24 billion in fraudulent payments related to homelessness. This situation underscores the need for enhanced oversight in welfare programs to restore public trust.

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Newsom Challenges Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a tracker highlighting individuals pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump, including fraudsters.
The tracker counters Trump's crime-rate claims and shows Newsom's stance against fraud.
Newsom criticized U.S. President Donald Trump as a hypocrite for pardoning criminals while condemning Trump administration policies as authoritarian at the World Economic Forum.
A White House spokesperson mocked Newsom's international presence, suggesting he should focus on California's issues.

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