California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent disclosure of his tax returns has drawn criticism, with some outlets accusing his office of a "bait-and-switch" tactic rather than a true public release. The governor allowed a select group of journalists to view his tax returns behind closed doors on Thursday, but they were prohibited from making copies or publishing the documents directly, instead being limited to taking notes.
Newsom's office stated that he is the first governor in California history to publicly release tax returns covering every year of his tenure, a claim disputed by critics who note that four years of returns were released simultaneously now, rather than annually. The timing of the release has also been questioned, occurring while Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, are reportedly under federal investigation concerning her taxes. Additionally, speculation exists that the release is timed to create an impression of transparency ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign.
Critics argue that this controlled disclosure is a violation of public trust and an attack on the role of a free press, drawing parallels to criticisms Newsom himself has leveled against former President Trump for not releasing his tax returns. The limited access and embargoed reporting process excluded some journalists, including The California Post, which had reportedly pushed for the tax returns' release. The governor's office has not directly responded to these criticisms beyond their initial statement about the scope of the release.